Outer CV Joint, Checking: Removing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Volkswagen Arteon. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

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

-- Pivot the ball hub -3- and ball cage -2-.

-- Remove the balls -4- one after the other.

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

-- Turn the ball cage -2- until the two rectangular windows -arrow- are aligned with the joint housing.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Lift out the cage -2- with the hub -3-.

-- Lift out cage with hub.

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

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Tilt out the hub -1- from the cage -2-.

-- Fold hub out from cage.

The six balls for each joint belong to a tolerance group. Check the axle stub, hub, cage and balls for small depressions (pitting build-up) and chafing. Excessive circumferential backlash in joint makes itself noticed via tip-in shock. Replace joint in such cases. Flattening and running marks on the balls are no reason to replace a joint.