I did a search for problem this but can't find anyone who seems to have had the same problem. I am removing my drive shafts to replace the boots and re-grease the CV joints. I've removed the 6 hex bolts on each end of the shafts which was not too difficult and then expected the shaft to just come out easily. The inner end at the gearbox came off immediately but the outer end at the hub is stuck fast. I've tried taping it with hammer, re fastening the inner end and turning the wheel, spraying it with lubricant, and it won't budge! Any suggestions??? I was starting to wonder if there may be some other bolts in the hub holding it on but that doesn't make sense and nothing is shown on the parts diagrams.
Thanks, yeah think I might need to get a little rough with the old girl. Shes a stubborn 34 year old
We had this problem with my buddy Paul's QV. One of the CV joints would not come off. If I recall correctly, we put the CV unit onto the open jaws of his vice (he has a big mother vice on his workbench) with some rags for padding, with the drive shaft hanging down. We then tapped the shaft out with a large bronze drift and a nice, heavy hammer. It helps if you have someone to hold the shaft as it comes out; could save you a broken toe.
p.s. thinking about it, isn't there a retaining ring at the end of the shaft? Did you remove it before trying to take the CV unit off?
Ossie, That really is good advice. I'd use a rubber dead blow... The outer flange has a lip on it the CV body nests in. Over time a lot of crap and even rust can build up. Otherwise, there should be no mechanical connection between the two. Good luck!! (cleaning the old goop out is an ugly, tedious job, eeeuuuuwwww!) Rick
Yes correct but my problem is getting the CV disconnected from the hub. The retaining ring on the shaft just prevents the CV knuckle from sliding off (or more correctly I am assuming that from CV's I've disassembled on other cars previously). As the post above indicates I think it is just simply stuck with 34 years of corrosion and gunk. About to try some more force so will let you know how I go...
Ossie, exactly why we used the drift. It was stuck pretty good. Using the bronze drift will save the shaft end, as the bronze is softer than the steel. Worked pretty well for us. I liked that idea better than hammering on the rim from the other side, as the CV joint tends to move around, hard to get a good blow on it. Tapping the end of the shaft with a drift, you are working straight down on it.
I think you're referring to removing the knuckle from the shaft? I was asking about removing the whole CV assembly from the back of the hub after removing the 6 hex nuts. Anyway success, I just got it off with a few firm taps with a mallet, assembled shaft is now out of the car and ready for disassembly, clean, regrease and new boots!
Anyone recognise the symbol on the this CV joint? Thought at first it might have been Alfa Romeo but once I cleaned it appears not. The 11-76 is I assume the manufacturing date, which is interesting as my car is an April 76 build, proabably means they were replaced at some point. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Ah thank you, well done, I knew somebody would know! Good point, I was assuming months which wasn't necessarily correct. They certainly look old enough to be original and didn't appear to have been removed from the car before. The CV on the other end of the drive shaft had a date of 09-76 stamped on it. Got it all back together and it is working well. I actually swapped the CV's end to end on the drive sfaft as they appear to be miror images of each other and I figured that it would be better for the ball bearings to run on a less worn section of each CV. This is a technique I used on a Porsche some years ago and the CV's lasted another 100,000 kms before they needed replacing.
