Outer CV Joint, Checking

The joint is to be disassembled if badly contaminated to replace the grease, or when the ball contact surfaces show wear or damage.

Disassembling

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Mark the position of the ball hub -2- to ball cage -3- and to housing -1- before disassembling, using an electric engraver or grindstone.

-- Tilt the ball hub and ball cage.

-- Remove the balls one after the other.

-- Turn cage until the two rectangular windows -arrow- are aligned with the joint housing.

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Lift out cage with hub.

-- Tilt the hub segment with shorter pins into rectangular window on the cage.

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Fold hub out from cage.

Checking

The balls for each joint belong to one tolerance group. Check the axle stub, hub, cage and balls for small depressions (pitting build-up) and chafing. Excessive backlash in the joint is noticeable by a thump during load alternations. The joint should be replaced in these cases. Flattening and running marks on the balls are no reason to replace a joint.

Assembling

-- Insert cage with hub into joint body.

• The cage must be inserted on the correct side.

-- Press in the opposite facing balls one after the other, and the old ball hub position to the ball cage and to the joint housing must be replicated.

-- Press the grease into the joint body. Refer to Grease Quantity and Type .