Outer Joint, Checking: Removing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg, 2013 Volkswagen Touareg, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg, and 2011 Volkswagen Touareg. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

-- Before disassembling, mark the ball hub position in relation to the ball cage and housing with an electric scriber or oil stone.

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-- Swivel the ball hub and ball bearing cage.

-- Remove the balls one after the other.

-- Lift out cage with hub.

-- Swing segment of hub into window of cage.

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-- Fold hub out from cage.

6 balls for each joint belong to a 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.