Note. If defects in the protective cover are detected, the condition of the corresponding CV joint must be carefully studied. Often, fully remanufactured driveshaft assemblies can be purchased on a trade-in basis, which greatly simplifies the situation and saves time. Before proceeding with the dismantling of components, conduct marketing by finding out the prices of the necessary parts. Compare them with the cost of purchasing refurbished builds.
In automotive accessories stores, you can find protective covers for split-section CV joints. The installation of such covers does not require the dismantling of the shaft from the car, which in principle is very convenient. However, the compilers of this Guide still recommend removing the shafts to check the condition of the CV joints and stuff them with fresh grease.
Remove the drive shaft (see Section Removal and installation of power shafts).
Internal CV joint
Disassembly
1. Remove the bandages securing the protective cover and slide the latter along the shaft, providing unhindered access to the hinge.
2. Mark the position of the inner race and swivel cage relative to the shaft.
3. Using a small screwdriver, remove the inner circlip from the hinge housing.
4. Remove the cover from the bearing assembly.
5. Using special pliers, remove the retaining ring from the mounting groove on the drive shaft trunnion.
6. Remove the inner bearing race from the shaft journal. At "sticking" splines, saturate the components with penetrating oil and gently tap the assembly with a hammer through a brass drift.
7. Using a screwdriver and a wooden block, release the bearing balls from the separator - try not to damage the inner surfaces of the latter. remove the separator.
8. Remove the retaining ring securing the inner race. Remove the hinge cover from the shaft.
Status check
Wash the hinge components in solvent, completely cleaning them of traces of old grease. Assess the condition of the inner race and separator for now.
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Assembly
1. Tape the splines on the shaft trunnion with a layer of adhesive tape, then place the protective cover of the hinge on the shaft. Remove the adhesive tape and put on a bandage tape of a larger diameter.
2. Place the cage of the bearing assembly on the shaft stub (side of smaller diameter to the central part of the shaft).
3. Snap the retaining ring for fixing the inner race into its regular place, then seat the latter on the shaft trunnion, making sure that the landing marks applied during the dismantling of the components are aligned correctly.
4. Fix the inner race of the bearing with a retaining ring, making sure that the latter is securely seated in the receiving groove on the shaft trunnion - the cage should not move along the shaft.
5. Slide the cage onto the inner race of the bearing (again check the correct alignment of the landing marks) put the bearing balls into the separator windows.
Note. To temporarily fix the balls in the assembly, pre-dip them in grease for packing CV joints.
6. Pack grease into the outer race of the bearing and the protective cover of the CV joint (grease is usually supplied with a new boot). Use the same lubricant to fill the cavities of the separator and the inner race.
7. Insert the side bearing into the pivot housing and install the inner circlip.
8. Remove excess grease from the boot seat groove on the outer race. Tuck in the edge of the case (on the side of the smaller diameter) into the seating recess on the shaft body. Pull the other end of the cover onto the CV joint housing and move the assembly, trying to eliminate unnecessary deformations of the rubber.
9. Adjust the landing length of the protective cover of the hinge. prying off the edge of the cover with a blunt screwdriver, equalize the pressure under it - try not to tear the cover.
10. Secure the cover with bandage tapes.
11. Install a new circlip on the trunnion end of the inner CV joint assembly.
12. Install the drive shaft on the car (see Section Removal and installation of power shafts).
Outer CV joint
Removing
1. Release the bandages securing the protective cover. Remove the cover from the hinge assembly.
2. Clamp the shaft assembly in a soft-jawed vise and tap the joint with a brass-faced hammer. Having knocked down the hinge, remove the retaining ring of the inner race of the bearing.
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3. Thoroughly wash the hinge in solvent and dry it, if possible, using compressed air. The outer CV joint will not lie down for disassembly, which is why its cleaning and stuffing can take quite a lot of time.
Status check
Bend the casing of the outer CV joint at an angle to the axis of the assembly, so that access to the surfaces of the inner race, separator and bearing balls is opened. Assess the degree of wear and deformation of the components. A defective hinge must be replaced.
Assembly
1. Pull the protective cover of the CV joint onto the shaft (it would be reasonable to pre-wrap the shaft trunnion equipped with splines with a protective layer of adhesive tape). After planting the cover, remove the adhesive tape.
2. Install the circlip to secure the inner race of the bearing.
3. Firmly pack the hinge cavities with fresh grease.
4. With the shaft resting vertically on the surface of the workbench, tap the hinge assembly onto it with a hammer through a block of wood.
5. Put a protective cover on a regular place and stuff the remaining grease under it. Adjust the seat length of the cover. Equalize the pressure and secure the cover with new bandages.
Both CV joints
Install the drive shaft (see Section Removal and installation of power shafts).