Outer CV Joint, Checking

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

NOTE:

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

Disassembling

Fig 1: Ball Hub And Ball Cage Swiveled

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

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

-- 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: 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:

Be sure to install each individual part into the its original position when assembling the joint.

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 the grease into the joint body, refer to OVERVIEW - DRIVE AXLE => Grease Quantity and Type .