80 series CV joints

Are there any experts out there who can help me with determining if a front CV joint from an 80 series is U/S. A friends 80 series developed a loud ratcheting noise in the front RHS of his diff on full lock in 4wd. As the car had used car warranty through a Toyota dealership, both axles were replaced and the noise went. I now have the old RH front axle stripped and cleaned, and apart from a little marking around the ball race and a bit of end float, can't find anything that would cause such a loud noise. I've been told this is usually the case. Is this true? I would have expected ovality of the balls (no jokes please) or a flogged out race. Any help with tell-tale signs would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Derek.