1998 V70 Excessive play in steering

[5rivers]

Now for re-assembly...when all the pieces are back inside the outer axle, does the circular piece (cage??) that goes around the 'gear-looking' piece (race??) need to be flush with the outer axle. I have looked at many DIY photos, instructions, etc. But it is hard to tell. I forgot to examine this when I extracted the outer axle. Appreciate your replies!

[5rivers]

On the previous question, the cage protrudes about a 16th of inch above the outer axle opening (where the large opening on the CV boot attaches to the outer axle)

Two more questions - do the balls lean up against the inside wall of cage (minus the slim lining the grease creates)? When I put in the first two balls, they sort of snapped into place as I pushed them into the race. But as I progressed, it was harder to hear that snap sound. I am just about out of grease and I still need to install the CV boot. Is it okay to use a different kind of grease in the boot? Will mixing different kinds of grease cause any problems?

[abscate]

Highly unlikely. It is such a pain to get into these things, though, that I would hit Autozone and get some more grease and overpack these things.

[precopster]

Grease should be Lithium based and have some Molybdenum content such as 5%.

There's a better way for next time. On the inner CV you'll see a snap ring. Once it's released you can remove the 3 ball bearing assembly by knocking it off with a soft mallet. It's hole is tapered and only goes back on the same way. Once that is removed you can slide the inner CV boot from the shaft and also do the same thing with the outer CV boot.

[5rivers]

Gosh, that sounds tremendously easier! In my case, the process I followed allowed me to find the problem with the control arm as there was no visible breakdown of the bushings or ball joint. And there was a huge problem with one bushing, namely the metal sleeve inside the bushing that had rusted onto the bolt holding the control arm to the frame. The outer tie rod was showing early signs of cracks and tears. I probably could have gotten away with just repacking the CV joint and boot with grease, but I elected to take the joint apart and clean everything. I now hope that I am putting everything back together in the right order and proper places!
Look for an update tomorrow evening! Appreciate your recommendations!

[5rivers]

Well, I had to remove the passenger side axle to the transmission in order to install the outer CV joint with new boot! Then it took awhile to figure out in what order to put pieces back together - like tie rod, control arm, and making sure the outer axle was all the way through the hub! Finally figured it out, but don't ask me about the order! Now all I have left is to install the brake caliper and caliper holder, and put tire back on, then I can tighten the axle nut! Hopefully, the drive out the driveway tomorrow morning will be problem-free! Cross your fingers for me! Thanks for all your help!

[abscate]

Remember to have someone in the car holding the brake pedal down when you tighten that nut.

Bleed brakes, then tighten nut

[5rivers]

Ahh, yes. Will do, and thanks for the reminder!

[abscate]

And if you need Big Fat Guy to bounce on the breaker bar....I'm coming through again on Thursday....