What's the best procedure to check a CV axle?

I've got a really weird and occasional vibration coming from the front of my 2005 Chrysler Town & Country.   It will occasionally feel like you've got some lugs coming loose/bearings/bushing or something. It's got new tires (it was present before and after), and the bearings seem okay.  The tie rods have a tiny bit of play, they're not too bad, but I'm planning on replacing them out of good measure.  There's a bit slop rolling the axles front and backwards, but it's got an auto tranny, so, yaknow..

The best way to induce it that I found is to accelerate up a hill going slightly right, then lighten up on the throttle to no or very-light maintenance throttle.  Think cresting a hill on a highway and you don't need to add any more speed before you reach the crest.   When it gets in this mood, it will continue vibrating very noticably even if you apply brakes or throttle, at least until you've changed speed by like 20 MPH or more.  If you stay in that 20 MPHish band, it'll take a good 30 or 40 seconds for it to completely get out of its system.

I'm thinking maybe the axles/CVs are going and I hit a harmonic?  I have no idea.  I can't find anything loose with it up in the air.

Thanks!

With it up in the air, try to rotate the axle while keeping the wheel stationary. If you get significant play your cv is bad.

In reply to Don49 (Forum Supporter) :

Okay, thanks.  I don't think they're a problem, they're quite tight, even with the suspension drooped.  I guess I'll hope that the little bit of tie rod play and maybe alignment will take care of it.

For what it is worth, my mechanic tells me to crank the wheel all the way in one direction and drive in a circle. If there is a clicking noise, the CV joint is bad. Repeat for the other side/direction.

FWD cars only of course.

A vibration on acceleration can often be a dry inner joint, but your description doesn't sound like what I have experienced.  The vibration will generally be very equal to the amount of throttle you have applied, more throttle, more shake.

Have you tried rotating the tires?

That sounds like when I had a wheel bearing go on my sienna