Pulled my inner CV joint apart, can't get it back together! Topic is solved

cakefool · Post by **cakefool** » 05 Jun 2011, 05:18

Hi there all, I've been browsing & using this forum for a while but I now find myself in the situation of needing more help than the repair database can offer.

I have a UK-model '99 V70 with the Audi 2.5TDI engine, 125k miles.

Yesterday I replaced my RHS control arm as the bushes were hilariously worn. (I'll post pics later) I was dreading this job but it took less than 2 hours! Anyway, I put it all back together, span the wheel & heard a horrible clunking from the inner cv joint.

Taking a closer look it was obvious I'd pulled it apart when I was trying to remove the splined end of the outer CV joint from the hub.

Anyway I pulled it all apart, put the joint back together (6 ball bearings, a slotted cage & the knuckle with the non-parallel grooves) with new grease, assembled everything & again, tried to turn the wheel end.

The joint still wasn't right.

I'm going out again later to try to fix it but I don't know what I'm doing wrong, does anyone have a guide on how to rebuild the inner RHS cv joint? Pulling the entire driveshaft sounds a scary prospect - is it the only way to correctly rebuild it?

Thanks for any help, if I don't get this back together I'll have to drive my wifes car to work, which won't please her at all.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 05 Jun 2011, 06:09

There is a metal retainer that slips into the inner C/V joint cup after the balls are put back in - did you get that back in place as well? It doesn't look like much but it can get stuck in the back off the boot and go un-noticed.

The Inner C/V joints on these cars are problematic and I've had problems with vibration under acceleration even with brand new aftermarket axles.

The good news is that the right hand side axle comes out very easily and it really isn't that big of a deal to replace it if you ultimately need to go that route.

...Lee

zerdas · Post by **zerdas** » 05 Jun 2011, 06:21

I rebuilt my CV joint just last week, boot was torn and grease coming out. PITA job!

Post by **cn90** » 05 Jun 2011, 08:46

Give this a try:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=29716

cakefool · Post by **cakefool** » 05 Jun 2011, 12:28

Well, I pulled the entire driveshaft, cleaned & reassembled the joint 'on my bench' (in the boot) & it all went back together silky smooth. I'm glad I took the decision to take it all out & do it properly, I'm now more confident & sure it's okay. Also, if the cv joint does need replacing soon I'll know how to go about it.

Lee, are you talking about the circlip that holds the knuckle onto the shaft? There was nothing else in the boot or the cup (both thoroughly cleaned to be sure)

Zerdas, thanks, although that guide was for the outer joint that's the type (rzeppa) of inner joint I have. I've saved that.

cn90, that's one of the first guides I found here, unfortunately it's the wrong type of inner joint, Trilobal, not the rzeppa joint as above. A good guide none the less.

Thanks for the quick & helpful replies.