Outer CV Joint, Checking: Removing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

Fig 1: Ball Hub And Ball Cage Swiveled

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Swivel 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.

Fig 2: Identifying Two Rectangular Windows Aligned With Joint Housing

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Lift out cage with hub.

-- Swing segment of hub into rectangular window of cage.

-- 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. Joint must be replaced in such cases. Flattening and running marks of balls are no reason to replace joint.

Fig 3: Identifying Tilting Hub Out Of Cage

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.