Replacing axle boots. need help taking axles apart.

[pj91gsx]

ok. I know how to take the axles apart at the transmission side. But how do you take apart the axles on the hub side. I have the axles out of the car. I need to take them apart to regreese and add new boots.

 

[Avionixx]

It's weird because all of the service manuals I've read say not to take that joint apart (Birfield Joint, they call it).

 

[TSi_with_psi]

Start by removing both of the Clamps that hold the rubber boot on to the axle. Most of the time the CV boot kit you can buy at the auto parts store will have new clamps, as well as new grease included with the boot. Then slide the rubber boot away from the end of the axle, and seperate the tripod joint from the outer housing by simply pulling them apart. This will expose the tripod joint. Clean the excess grease off the tripod joint, and using snap ring pliers, remove the snap ring on the end of the axle shaft that is holding the tripod joint in place. Make some alignment marks on the tripod spider, and on the axle shaft so that you can install them in the same position as they were originally. Next remove the Tripod spider and slide the boot off the end of the axle. You might have to tap on the spider to get it to come off, but put a block of wood in between the hammer and the spider so you dont damage it. CLEAN ALL PARTS, and then slide the small clamp on the axle shaft FIRST followed by the rubber boot. Reinstall the tripod spider, and the snap ring. Next lubricate the spider with the grease you will get in the kit, and put most of the grease inside the outer housing. What ever grease is left over should be put inside the CV boot. Slide the housing over the tripod joint and tighten both clamps on the boot. Then your all done. Good luck, and hope this was helpful.

 

[pj91gsx]

ok. I have the boot off. I have already finished the boot with the tripod thing. What about the side with the balls? I know it comes apart, because my brother has taken it apart on my allwheel drive front axles. I am working on fwd axles now.

 

[TSi_with_psi]

It sounds like you have a Ball and Cage type CV joint. Here is a good picture write up on how to dissasemble and service Ball and Cage type CV joints. Sorry that i explained the wrong one to you before. Hope this is more helpful. Keep me posted, and good luck!

Sorry, forgot to post link:
CV joint maintenance

 

[pj91gsx]

well, that is the rear end. I need the front end. What I dont understand is how do I take it apart. Do I take the balls out first? I try to take the balls out but I can get them out. I will bend and twist the joint to try to get them out. Do they even come out on FWD?

 

[Dave532]

It's been a while since I have done one but...

Once the cage\balls assembly is out of the cup, the balls should just fall out with a little coaxing...the grease will probably keep them from falling out on their own.

 

[pj91gsx]

ok. but I cant get the cage and balls out. Are you saying the cage and balls should just slide straight out. Maybe the grease is holding it in from me pulling it straight out.

Has anyone done a front wheel drive axle with the cage and balls? I think the axle is bigger so its a little more difficult or something.