Toyota Repair: CV joint replacement, CV, joint

Question
Hi there. I am getting a clicking noise from the left tire of my 95 camry, and assume it is a Cv joint issue. Wondering how much I am looking at in terms of cost from a mechanic (ball park, obviously)...the car has 200K+ miles on it. I do not want to het a new car, I want to fix this but need a mechanic to do it for me. Just wondering if there is any wayt I can be sure it is CV joint by home inspection or if I need to get to mechanic. Will they need to replace entire axle? thanks, danny

Answer
The clicking noise while you turn IS your home inspection - you've got a bad CV joint.  If you want to be positive then jack up your car and set it on jack stands.
With an inspection light, look around the area of the CV joint.  Do you see grease flung out from the joint (The grease is supposed to be inside the "boot")  Check the boot for tears, cuts, gashes, etc.  They may be small but over time it let the grease out, so the joint lost lubrication, now it clicks.  Soon it will be screaming for attention.
Have the mechanic replace the entire axle, its cheaper than trying to rebuild the CV joint.  Do not let them "just replace" the boot; the joint is clicking - it's bad - it needs replacing!

Hope this helps.

Vince