CV (constant Velocity) joints.

The outer CV joint where we can see
the cage and the balls.

For this week, we are working on the clutch, CV joints and drive shaft.

CV (constant velocity) joints:
On each drive shaft, there is an inner and an outer CV joint. The inner joints are often the tripot type, and the outer are often the birfield type. The inner joints are able to slide in and out because of the suspension movement.
Before we pulled the CV apart, we had to check the joints for play, roughness or binding. These problems are often caused by lack of grease which gets thrown out when the rubber boots get worn out.
Our CV joints operated smoothly

The tripot which slides along the race
of the inner CV.

The joints did not have any excessive play. If this axial play was excessive, the joints will make that knocking sound and won't be smooth to rotate.
All rubber seals and boots were checked and no cracks in boots or worn seals were found. If the boots and seals are worn, the grease inside the joint will escape, causing the joint to dry up, and will then fail.
To disassemble the CV joints, we first had to remove the rubber boots. The next step was to remove the joint from the shaft. Our joints had a snap ring on it that presses down as the joint moves over it. So we applied force with the hammer to remove the joint. It came off fairly easily.
After removing the ball cages, and balls, we were able to remove all of the grease from the components so we could inspect them for damage.

The inner CV where we can see that
the tripot is able to slide along the race
inside the CV.

The outer and inner races, where the balls sit in, were smooth and free of scratches or scarring. The ball cage and balls of the outer CV were in good condition.
The tripot in the inner CV, however, as numerous dents and marks on the rollers and should be replaced.
All of the splines and threads were all in good condition also.
The last step was to re assemble the CV joint. This went smoothly and the CV joints operated smoothly and as it should once we re assembled it.


The circlips and circlip grooves were in good condition and operated as they were supposed to.