Inner 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.

Disassembling

NOTE:

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

-- Tilt the ball hub and ball cage.

Fig 1: Direction To Press Out Ball Joint Housing

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Remove the joint in the direction of -arrow-.

-- Remove the balls from the cage.

-- Flip out ball hub from ball cage via the ball race -arrows-.

Fig 2: Flip Out Ball Hub From Ball Cage Via Running Path Of Ball -Arrows-

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Check the joint, ball hub, ball cage and balls for small broken off depressions (pitting) and chafing.

NOTE:

Excessive backlash in joint will be noticed as a knock during load changes. Joint must be replaced in such cases. Flattening and running marks on the balls are no reason to replace the joint.

Assembling

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

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Insert the ball hub into the ball cage via two chamfers. The installation position is arbitrary. Press balls into cage.

-- Insert hub with cage and balls upright into joint piece.

When inserting, make sure that in each case the wide gap -a- at joint piece contacts narrow gap -b- at hub after swinging in.

Fig 4: Identifying Wide Space On Joint Housing Aligned With Narrow Space On Hub
Courtesy of AUDI
Chamfer on inner diameter of wheel hub (splines) must face toward drive axle.

-- Swing in ball hub, to do so swing out hub far enough from cage -arrows- so that the balls have the distance of the running paths.

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

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Swing in hub with balls by pressing forcefully onto cage -arrow-.

Fig 6: Cage Pressed Firmly Until Hub Is In Position

Courtesy of AUDI

Check the CV Joint Function.

The CV joint is properly assembled, if the ball hub can be slid back and forth by hand over the entire length adjustment.

-- Press grease into joint body.

Grease quantities and types, drive axle with inner CV joint. Refer to Grease Quantity and Type .