CV Joint Removal Question

whc03grady · Post by **whc03grady** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 9:19 pm

Okay, you last two are making me feel really guilty for replacing my original CVs and axle with an, uh, Empi assembly. I kept the original though, but one of the joints came apart. Is this an easy enough reassembly? For some reason I got the idea that the balls got used to their races (is that the correct term?) and might not like life other than where they grew up.

Randy in Maine · Post by **Randy in Maine** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 9:38 pm

As long as they remain with the joint they came in you will be OK.

Buy a couple of re-pack kits and just re-pack them when you have a litle time. When one of those replacment ones tears, just swap it out.

DurocShark · Post by **DurocShark** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 10:54 am

I recently did one side of the Guac. (The old back didn't want to do the other side.)

No clicks, but an annoying whirring sound when rolling and virtually any speed.

After removing the clips the CVs just fell off the axle. Cleaned and put back on with new boots (Empi... it's what I had but I didn't use the Empi grease). Half the sound went away.

My back crapped out from holding tilly the two-ton-axle with one hand while trying to thread the bolts in. Need a helper next time. I do have a teenage son....

Post by **Amskeptic** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 7:42 pm

I have a pretty relaxed attitude about working CV joints to death. Mine looked pretty terrible along the grooves, but they kept plugging along with plenty of grease and good boots. Now I have these 39,000 mile CVs and I just don't know what to do with them. I think cleanliness is key. When maintaining them, clean up the flanges and clean out the bolt holes, all of them, and clean out the boots if you are re-using them. I would not allow torn boots for any appreciable mileage.
Colin

ruckman101 · Post by **ruckman101** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 2:28 pm

I rested the axle assembly on a jack stand to get the bolts threaded in and started. It worked well.

neal

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 2:32 pm

Good idea. I did it like a circus strongman, not so hot.

DurocShark · Post by **DurocShark** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 2:43 pm

hambone wrote:Good idea. I did it like a circus strongman, not so hot.

Me too. I didn't even think about the stands.

Sigh.

Post by **Amskeptic** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 1:48 pm

DurocShark wrote:
hambone wrote:Good idea. I did it like a circus strongman, not so hot.
Me too. I didn't even think about the stands.

Sigh.

Your little bald Itinerator has never had a problem simpling holding the driveshaft in place and starting a top bolt on the inside CV joint, then starting a bottom bolt on the outside CV and filling in from there.
coughwimpscoughcough

Gypsie · Post by **Gypsie** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 6:02 pm

Gonna do one tonight.

I'll let you know if I will "gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today".

Bentley is fairly blank about removing the assembly. Not sure where to start (Left outer needs replacement.)

Chime in if you have an idea.

Ryno · Post by **Ryno** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 6:16 pm

Pretty easy job, just messy. Wear some gear that you don't mind chucking when done. I like to make sure all bolts come loose first then leave one in each end till you're ready to remove.

Good writeup here:

http://volksweb.relitech.com/cvjoints.htm

Gypsie · Post by **Gypsie** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 3:16 pm

Had the option of picking up a German made CV joint or the entire assembly (ala Empi).

Wow both ends at once....

Hmmmmm?....

Plug and play!....

No fuss or muss...

Think I'll play in the grease and just do the joint replacement.

Looks like I can just unbolt the joint from the axle hub. Am I seeing that rght?

Should I just take the whole assembly to the bench or can I change just the outer joint while partially connected?

Ryno · Post by **Ryno** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 3:25 pm

Gypsie wrote:Looks like I can just unbolt the joint from the axle hub. Am I seeing that rght?

Should I just take the whole assembly to the bench or can I change just the outer joint while partially connected?

Yep just unbolt from hub. IMO, You'll want to remove the whole assembly...It's a way messy job that I would rather do upright.

dtrumbo · Post by **dtrumbo** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 4:00 pm

I actually changed my first CV joint (on a Vanagon, no less!) with just the one end disconnected. I can wholeheartedly tell you, it's much easier to do it with the entire axle removed.

If you haven't read it otherwise, spray some Gumout, WD-40, what-have-you in the socket of the six bolts that hold the joint to the hub. Then take a pick, small screwdriver, what-have-you and CLEAN out all the dirt/gunk that has accumulated. This will allow the tool you're trying to use to loosen the bolt with to do its job with the most chance of not stripping out the socket.

This isn't as bad of a job as it sounds. I do wear nitrile gloves, but I've never had to burn my clothes. Unless you're a chimpanzee flinging your fecal everywhere, it doesn't have to be that messy.-edit

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CV Joint Removal Question