replace CV axle shaft - flange connection not surgically clean

[pampadori]

1983 911 SC - This week I had to replace my right axle due to a failing boot. I've read the threads that mention the flange surface must be clean and dry so as to not allow the two sides to slip, which would cause the bolts to possibly shear. I tried my damnedest to keep the flange faces clean and dry but that black grease appeared to have touched the outer flange and get on the face of the flanges no matter what I tried.
BTW, no washers removed or used. ALso didn't use the cork gaskets either. Sounded like many don't use them and none came with my new axle so I pressed on.

Prior to me reading all of the threads about this repair, I had undone the inner joints o remove the motor a couple of times. I never once gave much mind to the contacting surface cleanliness. I also never had an issue with them slipping or the bolts coming loose. So i have to wonder if i have just been lucky or if even with the grease being on the connecting surfaces, does it really matter that much? Also noticed that I removed A2 bolts and replaced with 12.9 steel bolts.

[OsoMoore]

I've done both my boots and joints. I think the main concern with grease on the flanges is that you could end up with the bolts not being torqued as tight as they should.

However, considering you are going to need to re-torque in a couple weeks and/or a couple hundred miles anyway, I think you should be fine. Also, I used Schnorr washers on my bolts, as is generally recommended around here.

[GH85Carrera]

I hear that same thing. It is almost impossible to do. Anyone that has repacked a CV joint know that grease is like anti-size. No matter how had you try it will end up on things you never imagined it was possible to get it on.

[pampadori]

i forgot to mention, the outer end i couldn't use the bolts that were supplied without making them a couple of mm shorter. They were too long and would bottom out in the hub/knuckle and lock the wheel up. The original bolts would have had the same issue as they were the exact same length as the new bolts. Wasn't expecting that but its always something, right?