CV-Joint Disassembly With the axles removed, it was determined that one would need to be replaced, while the other was still good. New CV-boots are installed on both axles. In this segment, a new CV-boot is installed on the good axle before it is reinstalled on the vehicle. Tip: To avoid costly repairs, it's a good idea to have your CV boots inspected any time your vehicle is on a lift. Important: Included below are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular car or truck, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts. Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with power tools. - The boot kit used in this project (figure A) includes the shorter boot for the outboard joint on the axle, and a longer boot for the inboard joint. New clamps for securing the joint to the axle, as well as a clip for the tripod joint, are also included.
- Two different types of axle grease are used in this installation. The tulip-joint portion of the axle utilizes a heavy-duty grease, while the inboard joint uses a somewhat lighter grease. Both are included in the boot kit.
- To continue disassembly of the axle, first cut the old boot and bands off of the axle (figure B).
- Before disassembly is complete, reference marks must be made on all of the parts (just as was done earlier on the differential flange and mating surface) so that they can be aligned properly later during re-assembly. Because these parts will be cleaned prior to re-assembly, an automatic center-punch is used to make tiny, permanent reference marks on the metal shaft and housing of the axle (figure C ). If you don't have a center-punch, you could use a small Phillips screwdriver and hammer for the same purpose.
Important: Failing to realign the parts properly during re-assembly could alter the wear pattern on the parts, and lead to premature failure. - With the reference marks made, the housing can be removed from the shaft (figure D), revealing the tripod joint.
- The tripod joint consists of three bearings that fit into three corresponding openings within the housing (figure E). The ability of the bearings to move in and out inside the housing is what enables this portion of the axle to shorten and lengthen to adjust during driving.
- Carburetor cleaner or brake cleaner can be used to clean away the old axle grease from the joints.
- The tripod joint must be removed from the shaft in order to install the new boot. Again, the automatic center-punch is used to mark the components (shaft and joint) for proper re-alignment later (figures F and G).
- In order to remove the tri-joint from the shaft, use snap-ring pliers to expand and remove the clip that holds the joint secure on the shaft (figure H).
- With the clip removed, the tri-joint can be separated from the shaft (figure I).
Important: Discard the used clip. Use the new clips that are provided with the boot kit. - The parts are soaked overnight in parts cleaner to clean them up before the new boots are installed.
In the segment that follows, the axle is re-assembled. Then the rebuilt and the new axles are installed on the vehicle.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books
Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896
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