When to replace cv joints?

[Jet-Fighter7700]

They do wear out even if the car is well maintained. They wear out much quicker if the boot lets the grease out or contaminants in.

If you can hear it, replace it.
I cannot believe that a complete half shaft would be cheaper than a cv joint.

in my case im quite unsure of whats going on;

its not torn or cracked; its simply loose fitting and only on the one side;

it still covers the joint but you hear the clacking only when taking sharp turn left; not right

according to the youtube guy, they can go a long way before breaking....

how true is this?

 

[Sinbad]

The clacking means they are worn. There is a groove in the race the ball bearings travel in that they are jumping in and out of.
Loose-fitting means that the grease could have leaked out or been contaminated.
Take it to a drive shaft centre and get the troublesome joint replaced before it lets you down

 

[AstroTurf]

Replace them, they are not safe. Had mine give out years back on a slight curve on a downhill, almost went into the mountain as I could not turn the car back right again.

 

[Dave]

according to the youtube guy, they can go a long way before breaking....

how true is this?

It could be true, but it is also true it could break tomorrow.

If it decides to break, you won't be driving any further, so it's wait for a tow truck and hope you are in a safe area while you wait...