Removing CV from Front Axle

[wswilburn]

I have a 325ix (AWD). I am trying to replace CV boots on a front axle. I have the axle out, but can't get the inner joint off the axle. Anyone know the trick? There is a circular clip ring that appears to lock the axle to the inner race, but expanding the ring while driving off the joint seems to be near impossible. Is there a special tool? Am I going about this wrong?

Thanks for any help.

[jase007]

Scott:

No ... you are not doing this wrong. It is a DIFFICULT thing to get the brass circlip expanded ... held stationary and then using a drift / punch to hammer the CV-joint off of the halfshaft. An extra set of hands is helpful to do this.

I have pictures and a writeup in progress that I will post here soon. I just redid my front inner and outer CV-boots (passenger side) after doing them 18 months ago.

1. You definitely need a vise on a workbench to hold the halfshaft.
2. You need circlip expanders that have a flat tip (screwdriver-type tips that spread away from each other) to hold the slippery brass circlip apart to drive off the CV-Joint. Advance-auto sells a good cheap pair.
3. You need a good drift or punch and need to tap all around the CV-joint on the ball-bearing carrier (closest to the halfshaft and where the circlip is buried in) repeatedly.
4. You know the CV-Joint is moving when the circlip is expanded and held there without using the circlip expanding pliers.
5. The halfshaft metal is VERY hard ... the circlip isn't. Hence, time to bang away!
6. Do NOT be tempted to "pull" the circlip out with pliers ... it won't work.
7. You need lots of patience and frequent breaks.

Will try to get the write-up (and pics) done shortly.

Jason

[wswilburn]

Thanks, that worked. Can you suggest a good service manual? I have the Bentley guide for the 325i, but doesn't cover the ix.

[jase007]

I would but ... one doesn't exist.

Go to Gordon Haines' iX Registry send him an email and join for life for US$10 I think. Get lots of 3 ring holed paper and print off all 28 iXchange Newsletters as well as the index.

"Presto!" your very own iX manual to supplement the Bentleys (which covers most everything besides the AWD system).

Jason