Clunking - CV joint?

Just been out tonight for a short run, and just before getting home, I noticed a clunking started from the back end.

How much lateral movement should I have on the offside (long) driveshaft? If I have a lot of movement s this indicative of a CV joint failure? I so, how can I tell if it's the outer or inner, or both?

Thanks.

Roger,

It might sound a bit silly but embarrassingly it's happened to me before.

Are all the wheel nuts tight?

Well, I might not have a CV joint problem.

Wheel nuts now correctly torqued! Will try tomorrow to see if problem is solved!

If your wheels are not falling off?... Check the drive-shaft coupling bolts

Also check your lower engine mount is all correct and present and bolted up properly...

Ditto. My lower engine mount came loose and the driveshafts clunked under load.

Thanks all for your help.

Happy to report that it was nothing other than incorrectly torqued wheel nuts!

Glad you sorted it with an easy fix.

It's worth checking the drive-shaft coupling and lower engine mount bolts too as others have mentioned. They do work themselves loose and the coupling bolts can pierce the gearbox casing if your very unlucky, like the PO of my car.