Bought a 2000 Sportage about 6 months ago and have just now started using the 4x4 as it's winter here in Michigan. Was driving the other day and the front passenger tire was making a ton of noise and vibrating the whole car. Got underneath the car and took a look. Picture is attached, anyone have any idea what is going on?
Just a guess - the front CV axle is supported by a needle bearing inside the spindle, when that bearing fails it causes the CV shaft to flop around -> which destroys the bearing / scores the inside of the spindle -> causes the CV shaft to fail.
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It' tough to discern (what) that material under the shaft @ the back of the spindle is, but it doesn't look good - recommend getting it checked out ASAP.