17 replies to this topic

[maystro]

Hi guy's,

 

I am replacing my inner and outer CV joints.  

 

The inner Pot joint basket went on easily over the circlip on the axle but the outer CV will not go over the circlip.  I have now broken 3 circlips trying to get it on.  Is their a trick to this or if not can I leave the circlip off and use some version of Loctite?  

 

Thanks

 

Brad.

[johnv]

You can't use loctite! I did mine on the bench .. put the CV joint in the vice and lower the driveshaft onto it. You can then push the circlip into it's groove with a screwdriver at the same time . Easier with 2 people!

Edited by johnv, 04 May 2022 - 08:31 AM.

[maystro]

Thanks johnv,

 

I have the driveshaft in the vice.  Ill try the opposite way around like you and remove all the grease which I just packed in so I can see the circlip.  This will be the last circlip I have left from 4 new CV kit's.  

 

Only problem I just realised is that I have already fitted my new inner CV joint on the axle so I don't  want to bang on that new bearing basket too much.  

 

Thanks 
Brad

Edited by maystro, 04 May 2022 - 09:04 AM.

[KTS]

a couple of things that may help;  give the circlips a gentle squeeze in a vice etc to close them down a little (..keep them round though!) and use a dab of grease to hold the circlip centrally on the shaft whilst it's inserted into the cv joint

[johnv]

Thanks johnv,

 

I have the driveshaft in the vice.  Ill try the opposite way around like you and remove all the grease which I just packed in so I can see the circlip.  This will be the last circlip I have left from 4 new CV kit's.  

 

Only problem I just realised is that I have already fitted my new inner CV joint on the axle so I don't  want to bang on that new bearing basket too much.  

 

Thanks 
Brad

 

you shouldn't have to bang it all Brad, fiddle around to get the clip in the right position and it will all suddenly click into place with minimal pressue

[timmy850]

Before you get it fully assembled in the vice, it's worth checking that the assembled driveshaft will fit through the subframe with the CV joints on

[maystro]

I'm good that way Timmy, I'm only poking the inner cage of the pot joint through and assembling the pot joint shells indepently straight into the diff housing.
Thanks

[Spider]

Hey Brad !

Did you replace the C Clip on the drive shaft ?

I find they are not particularly springy and distort easily.

Before fitting them I turn the ends in ever so slightly, then close the whole clip up some, when fitting to the shaft, expand them only just enough to slip over splines and no more. Once on, squeeze it up again. I find turning the ends in that tiny bit (and that's all), it really reduces the risk of them getting caught on fitting and removal.

If you are having trouble now getting the CV on, I'd suggest keep working at the clip until it will go on OK. Reason I suggest this is somewhere down the track, you'll need to remove the shaft again. If the Clip can't / doesn't seat properly to fit in to the CV, come time to remove the Shaft, part of the Clip will come clear of the groove and jam in the spines. When that happens, I've found there's nothing for it other than to slog away at the CV until you shear the Clip through. It often results in a damaged CV too.

[maystro]

Thanks' Spider,

 

Yep I'm on my 4th new c clip out of 4 new CV kit's.  Thankfully I used my original c clip on the pot joint end which seems to be a much better design because the c clip is mounted further down the axle.  

 

I have spent half a day stuffing around trying to get my last c clip in the right shape where I have lost fingernails and skin making sure it is just the right shape to get over the splines and then it pops out somewhere when I start hammering.  

 

I think the problem is I need a bigger hammer.  I read somewhere these clips compress on shock  so I'll get a 4lb hammer tomorrow and I'm going to enjoy giving that c clip some shock treatment.  It's going on one way or another and I don't care if it never comes off, as long as it isn't when I'm driving it

 

Thanks

Brad  

[weef]

Ok it looks like you are really struggling here. Yes the "shock" treatment works but I think the 4lb hammer mentioned will give you similar results as you are getting, only sooner.

A solution could be to chamfer the leading edge of the CV joint more to ease the spring ring in. This will require the joint to be split to the component parts, i.e. remove the balls so you have the inner splined part seperate  and using a small grinding stone of the appropriate profile chamfer the edge so the ring can be "eased" in . You will have to ensure all swarf is removed from the joint before assembly as these will severely promote joint wear,  do the grinding required, you can even "dry fit" the shaft to see if it fits before you make the joint back up.

[mad4classics]

Just  a sideways thought here; have you tried the spine fit in the CV without the C clip fitted!

 

In amongst bits I've acquired over the years is a drive shaft where someone has obviously hit the outer end with a hard faced hammer throwing up burs in the bottom of all the spline teeth. When you get a bur formed hammering at it vigorously just makes it worse - the shaft is in my box of bits to sort one day.

[maystro]

Thanks Weef, I didn't know you could pull apart the outer cv like you can the inner pot joint type. Not the best place I think to start grinding, definitly going to need a clean out properly and lose all my cv satchel grease.

[maystro]

Thanks mad4classics, the cv does fit the axle but it is tight and needs to be knocked on even without the c clip. Maybe I should be deburring this as well as the cv?
Thanks
Brad

[mad4classics]

Thanks mad4classics, the cv does fit the axle but it is tight and needs to be knocked on even without the c clip. Maybe I should be deburring this as well as the cv?
Thanks
Brad

Without the C clip you shouldn't need a big hammer; carefully examine the end face and the clip groove for defects.

Edited by mad4classics, 05 May 2022 - 12:45 PM.

[johnv]

Brad, the shafts should slide on the CVs easily by hand, as said, no hammer needed. You only need to get the circlip in the right position. If you have to belt it with a hammer, something's wrong!