1. Slowly driving in a circle with the steering wheel fully turned out, check for clicks "metal to metal" from the front of the car. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the other side and listen again. If metallic clicks are heard, then the CV joint is worn out and should be replaced.
2. Raise the car. Turn the steering wheel all the way and turn the wheel slowly. Check the condition of the rubber boot of the outer CV joint, for which straighten the folds of the boot. Check for cracks, tears, or signs of aging in the rubber, which can cause lubricant to wash out and dirt and water to enter the joint.
3. Clamp the axle shaft through a rag with a gas wrench and, while holding the wheel, try to rotate the axle shaft in both directions. If the play exceeds 5 mm, then the CV joint should be replaced.
The wear of the CV joint is indicated by clicks and ringing sounds when the car accelerates or when turning, as well as at the beginning of reversing if the gear shift occurred when the car was moving forward, or vice versa (if sounds are heard during this gear shift, then you should also check the condition of the tires, wheel bearings and wheel balance).
Typical axle shaft installed on CR-V and Odyssey models: 1. Slots; 2, 4. Case; 3. Drive shaft; 5. Clamps covers; 6. Internal CV joint