Outer CV Joint, Checking

It is necessary to disassemble the joint whenever replacing the grease or if the ball surfaces show wear or damage.

Disassembling

-- Mark position of ball hub to ball cage and to housing before disassembling, using electro-writer or grindstone.

Fig 1: Ball Hub And Ball Cage Swiveled

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Swivel the ball hub and ball cage.

-- Remove the balls one after the other.

-- Turn cage, until two rectangular windows -arrow- contact joint body.

Fig 2: Identifying Rectangular Windows Aligned With Joint Housing

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Lift out cage with hub.

-- Swing hub segment with smaller pins into rectangular window on cage.

Fig 3: Hub & Cage

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Fold hub out from cage.

Checking

The balls of each joint belong to one tolerance group. Check stub axle, hub, cage and balls for small depressions (pitting build-up) and chafing. Excessive circumferential backlash in joint makes itself noticed via tip-in shock, in such cases joint should be replaced. Flattening and running marks of balls are no reason to replace joint.

Assembling

-- Insert cage with hub into joint body.

NOTE:

Cage must be installed laterally correct.

-- Press in opposing balls in sequence, during this, previous position of ball hub to ball cage and to joint body must be established again.

-- Press grease into joint body.

Grease capacities and types, drive axle with 88 mm diameter or 100 mm diameter outer CV joint. Refer to GREASE QUANTITY AND TYPE (88MM & 100MM) .