Front inner CV joint

[MarkCXC90]

Hi.

Is there a trick to removing the inner CV joint from the drive shaft? I have a CV boot that needs replacing. Manged to remove the drive shaft from the vehicle pretty easily but the CV joint is being a little stubborn. I can't see any clips. I've given it a few hits with a hammer but doesn't seems to have done much.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/fUeoQkwBbxXvjmBf7

Cheers

[SuperHerman]

Should have an internal C shaped clip that sits in a groove. Just like the other side. Need a directional rap going outwards. If you have a helper have them support the assembly level under just the slightest outward pressure. By this I mean if you grab the CV on the shoulders and pull and push it there should be a hair of play. You want this play side outward, but ever so slightly. Keeping it level helps. Actually you can try grabbing the shoulder and giving it a pull.

It is the sharp sudden outward force which is needed to release.

The concept is because the C clip has an open end it will compress enough to come free of the internal transmission groove. If it does not come out with a good rap, rotate the CV 10 degrees and try again. Keep doing this, but rotate with the CV not under tension. The C clips sometimes have a sweet spot, by rotating it at some point you will get there.

It is common for after market CV assemblies to have C clips that are a bit to aggressive size or tension wise. These are problematic to install and remove.

[cn90]

INNER CV Boot is always tricky.

I find it much easier to come from the OUTER side.
Once the OUTER CV Joint is removed, simply slide the INNER Boot in...

Also, never replace only one boot, best practice is to always replace BOTH the INNER and OUTER boots at the same time bc they are inexpensive and there is a lot of labor involved. By doing both boots, you save a lot time and aggravation later.

I wrote a DIY for 2004 V70 below and the XC90 is virtually identical in terms of procedure...

viewtopic.php?t=91594

[volvolugnut]

I found with a cheap axle replacement, no amount of hammering or a commercial puller would remove the CV joint. I believe in my case, the CV joint was staked in place and had no C clip. I gave up on boot replacement and bought new OEM brand axles.

volvolugnut

[SuperHerman]

Point of clarity? Are you trying to remove the CV axle from the transmission or the inner end from the CV axle?

My response was for removing the CV axle from the transmission.

To remove the inner end from the CV axle there should also be a c clip and it should behave the same way. Same rotate technique, but vary where you are hitting the should. I have used a wood block and hit with sledge. Supporting the axle is tough and lots of force is lost. A nice vice with a solid safe wrap would help.

The other suggestions are very good. Come at it from the other end and don't remove the inner. Clean it up first though with either approach. One can also try rolling the boot on, various videos on this technique.

[MarkCXC90]

Hi.

The CV drive shaft is out of the car. I'm just trying to remove the inner CV from the drive shaft. I think I may just attempt removing the outer CV boot and work at it that way. The inner just does not want to budge. No play in it, and I cant see a clip anywhere.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Xc2Z7pWRFypkapGd8

Thanks all.

[MarkCXC90]

Thanks all. Finally gave up and just removed in the outer CV boot to get to the inner one! Outer one came apart with a few healthy taps of the hammer. All sorted and reinstalled on the car.

[cn90]

Yes,

I have always found it is easier to remove the OUTER CV Joint to replace the INNER CV Boot.
I wrote the trick in 2004 V70 forum section.