i have a 97 accord that has developed a very bad knocking in the front end. When i apply any gas or brake the knocking reduces a little bit; when i coast it is it's worst. I suspect it is the CV joints that are gone bad.

What do you think? if it is the CV joints is this something i can replace at home? how easy is it to do?

also do i need any special tools to do a fuel injection service?

 

Can't tell you what's all involved for an injector service, typically a can of seafoam will do wonders. As for the knock, go to a parking lot and turn a circle in both directions at a slow speed and see if it clicks or gets worse. Inspect the CV boots for fluid, tears etc. As for replacement it's not to difficult, you may just need an extra socket or two and a good set of jackstands

 

I've heard that it is bad to use Seafoam in engines with over 100k on them, any of that true nasty? Or can I use it safely on my 230k miles?

If the CV joints are the problem it would probably be cheaper and easier to buy new halfshafts for ~$65/ea with a $75 core charge rather than deal with the mess of rebuilding them.

 

I know a few of our memebers have used the seafoam on cars well over 100k miles without issue. As for the half shafts I've never bothered with rebuilding them. They aren't that expensive in the grand scheme of things so just buy some new ones.

 

I agree, but if you tear a boot and notice the grease getting spit all over the wheel well soon enough it can be a simple clean and repack job, but it's far too late in this case.

 

without visually inspecting it...is there a way to know which side it is on and if it if the inner or outer cv joint?

 

No you will need to get down on the ground and take a peek under the car. A torn boot is an obvious sight because there will be grease everywhere, but you'd have to look inside the boots to see the worn joint, if thats the case.

 

are there any good step by step instructions on what too look for and how to change the CV joins on a 97 accord?