Front End Noise On '93 Colt M/t, clicking Options

[grie78]

For the last few days, I've noticed a distinct clicking noise from the front end driver's side. It stays consistent with speed (faster speed, faster clicking). I was doing about 45mph down the road, and pushed the clutch pedal in to see if there was any difference in the noise, and there wasn't. It doesn't change when the brakes are applied (aside from the clicking slowing down w/the car), and it doesn't change while moving down the road with it completely out of gear. I've had CV shaft issues with a past car, but the problem then was a clunking sound when I would make a turn (not currently an issue with the Colt). I had major trans. work done a few months ago, so that shouldn't be part of the problem.
I'm leaning towards a bad shaft, but the bellows are still in good shape (no tears or cracks). This car did sit for a number of years before I bought it (I was told that's why all my trans. seals were shot), but it's only got 51k original miles.
I have very little experience with this car so far, and would appreciate any insight as to what the cause of the noise is.
Thanks for the help.
Eric

[KiT TeUnG 2549]

Eric , ive seen issues like this on older Mirage Asti's Colt Cyborg and Lancers , i have had this issue with a bad shaft. The inboard section of the CV shaft that slides wear internally and has slack. The outboard part of the shaft at the wheel is fine but the sliding inboard side is worn down. And thus when driving certain speads the slack adds a small amount of drag and causes the clicking or pulsing. It is usually the long shaft that this happends too

[grie78]

well, that certainly clears things up for me. Thanks KiT. I really appreciate the explanation as to what's most likely going wrong. is there any way I can tell how long it'll hold up?
I need at least 10 days before I can get parts, but at least I don't have to take it back to Aamco for more tranny work (they take to long to get the job done).
I flipped through a Haynes manual for the Mirage to get an idea how the replacement would go, and it seems to be almost identical to when I replaced the front axles on my old Tercel. nice and fairly basic.
I figured I'd have to replace the axles on the Colt at some time, it just seems to be sooner than I anticipated.
Thanks again.
Eric

[KiT TeUnG 2549]

They should last til then. Easy way , lift the car with the wheels off the ground. yu can grab midway on the shaft and turn clock and counter clockwise and look at the inboard section of the shaft , the part that goes directly in the transmission , and usually when there is slack yu will see it , the inboard section will not turn right away. Leave it in park when doin this test