Has Anyone Removed the Outer CV Joint from Their Rear Axles?
 

Has anyone ever disassembled the outer CV joint on their rear axles? I know that the FSM says they are not rebuildable, but it seems to me like they could be (especially so, since you can buy commercially rebuilt units).

One of mine is shot, and I’d like to experiment with replacing the bearing balls or the entire CV joint. However, I’m unsure if I can get the outer joint assembly off the shaft without damaging it. I’m guessing that the CV assembly is a splined slip fit over the axle, held in place by some sort of internal wire retaining ring. I suspect that if I found some way of gripping the axle, I could strike the CV joint with a hammer and knock it off. However, I'm afraid to test my theory. I need this axle’s core value if I have to buy a commercially rebuilt axle, and I don’t want to damage it in an unsuccessful attempt to take it apart.

I searched, but didn’t see much info on this subject. Has any forum member tried it?

Thanks!

I've tried re-assembling constant velocity joints for shits and giggles on my old Jetta...

Its a HUGE P.I.T.A.!!!! You can only insert the ball-bearings into the "cage" from a certain angle of deflection of the "cage". Then once you get down to about 2-3 balls left ot go in, when you rotate it enough to insert them, others fall out.

Not to mention that when you're doing this (with the intention of ACTUALLY rebuilding them) you'll want to be using a new axle (since its got a new friction surface for the ball bearings) new ball bearings, new "cage" and a new outer end. I don't think you'll find these easy to track down.

But by all means - knock yourself out....

IMO you're better off replacing the halfshaft as a whole. They're not expensive (~$70?)

In a former life I took many CV joints apart, "miked" and sorted all the bearing balls, and then re-assembled. And, I've done that on the inner joints on these axles, so I'm comfortable with that part of the process. It's just the outer ones aren't supposed to be taken apart for some reason.

I suspect ClassicAuto is right though about it being better to just get a new axle due to the reasons he mentioned.

However, the question remains: "Has anyone ever taken apart the OUTER CV joints?"

That's my opinion too. However, I have to have something to do when I'm out in the garage drinking beer at night; otherwise my wife makes me come in.

I do it all the time. Just hold the axle in a vice with a rag around it. Make sure the outer CV is pointing down, pivot the stub axle off to one side so you have access to hitting the center piece of the CV(splined to the axle) Give it a few hard whacks with a dead blow mallet and it will hit the ground. You will get a new circlip with the new CV joint.
If you want to go through it and clean up the cages all it takes is pivoting the center piece 90 degrees and then remove a balls that get freed up. Go through and get the rest out and it falls apart. When putting it back together be careful, if you put the center in wrong the joint will go together but when you do the final 'snap' to line everything up it will be locked solid with no articulation. That's a "Do Over!" You can look at the grooves the balls ride in to see the right way it goes, just keep one CV complete to look at the first time.

I did a little of this with the Rabbit/Scirocco platform back in the '80s as well. With VW you could buy an entire new joint; races, balls and all. I can't remember now if they pressed in or used a snap-ring, but...

Use a little dab of grease to hold each of the balls in the joint while turning it at that sharp angle to put in the other balls. It will work out ok with enough patience and beer.

Thanks jgrewe. That's exactly what I was asking.

Jgrewe, would you happen to have a source for the replacement CV joint? I was planning on taking the old one by the local bearing supplier to try and match it, but if you know a source and part number, that would really help. It's a TII axle.

Thanks again!

I would just check NAPA, I usually have good luck with them. If not, check with driveline rebuilders, you might find someone local company in the phone book under "Auto Parts/Used/ Rebuilt. Salvage yards deal with suppliers selling them cores, try to find out who is buying all the bad axles.

^
Thanks again--I appreciate the advice!