Inner constant velocity (CV) joint, checking

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In order to replace grease in case of strong soiling, joint must be disassembled and if journal surfaces and balls must be checked for wear and damage.

Disassembling

NOTE:

Ball hub and joint are paired and should be identified before removal. Do not interchange cage allocation.

Fig 1: Pressing Out Ball Joint Housing

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Swivel ball hub and ball cage.
Press out ball joint housing in direction of - arrow -.
Press balls out of cage.

Fig 2: Tilting Ball Hub Out Of Ball Cage Over Ball Track

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Flip out ball hub from ball cage via running path of ball - arrows -.
Check joint housing, ball hub, ball cage and balls for indentations (pitting) and signs of seizure.

NOTE:

Excessive backlash in the joint will cause knocking or jolts under load change. In such cases the joint must be replaced. Flattening and running marks of balls are no reason to replace joint.

Assembling

Fig 3: Inserting Ball Hub Over Both Chamfers Into Ball Cage

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Insert ball hub into ball cage via two chamfers. The hub can be installed in any position. Press balls into cage.
Insert hub with cage and balls at right angle to joint.

Fig 4: Identifying Wide Space On Joint Housing Aligned With The Narrow Space On The Hub

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When inserting make sure that the wide space - a - on joint housing is aligned with the narrow space - b - on hub after swiveling in.
Chamfer on inner diameter of wheel hub (splines) must face toward drive axle.

Fig 5: Ball Hub Installed With Hub Able To Be Swivelled Out Of Cage

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Install ball hub, whereby hub must be swiveled out of cage - arrows - far enough to allow balls to fit into ball tracks.

Fig 6: Pressing Cage Firmly Until Hub Is In Position

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Press cage firmly - arrow - until hub swings fully in position.

Constant velocity joint, checking for function:

Constant velocity joint is properly assembled, if ball hub can be slid back and forth by hand over whole compensation length.