CV-Joint - Can I do this myself - 88cab

Bello · 03-30-2005, 03:53 PM

i just did a search on the form & found lots of info on 944 - CV joint replacement.

Some said it was very straight forward. "AKA Clarks-garage"

I am not a mechanic, but I do have some skills & some tools.

Is this a job for an amature or should I leave this to the professionals?

Keep in mind I would like to replace the joints not fix em'

BTW: Pelican price on this seems very high.....

88cab

Thank you
PS: is there any tips that i should know about.....

cbeers · 03-30-2005, 04:29 PM

Hey Bello,

If you are replacing them, look at the complete axle unit. It is from the original supplier, so it is top quality and couldn't be easier to swap out.

The only issue is removal due to the huge axle nut at the hub side. It takes a hefty impact to get off and a really hefty torque wrench to re-tighten. If you can deal with that, it is EASY. I am no mechanic and really just read Wayne's Project book and the Bentley manual and then went at it.

Hope this helps

-Chris

88911coupe · 03-31-2005, 07:03 AM

That nut can be a BEAR to remove. Don't underestimate how tight it is...I BROKE a 1/2" breaker bar in my first attempt. I ended up having to buy a 3/4" breaker bar (damned pricey)and then I still had to use a 4' piece of black pipe as an extension to get enough torque. Some have gone to a shop and let them get a really good impact wrench to loosen it then drive straight home and finish the job. The only problem I see with this is that you will have to take it back to get the nut tightened down to spec. I say "spec" loosely since I just used my breaker bar and extension to make sure it was REALLY freakin' tight.

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

You need a Bentley Carrera repair manual, a 3/4" drive breaker bar with a 32mm socket, a long extension. Remove the center cap in the Fuchs wheels, set E-brake, transm. in reverse, put the 32mm socket with a 6" extension on the large nut, put the 3/4" breaker bar with a long pipe extension to work; the big nut is a regular right-hand thread. Don't even attempt this with a 1/2" drive set-up! The torque is around 220 ft-lb. After the nut is loose, raise the car and remove the Allen socket bolts on the transm. side. The Bentley will guide you through the whole procedure; it's a good investment for the future. You only want to do this once. This is the time to check for play in the rear bearings, condition of your E-brake shoes, rotor condition & thickness (measured in 5-6 different places) breake pads, etc.

jpachard · 03-31-2005, 08:27 AM

Actually, the torque spec. on these nuts is 339 ft./lbs. for 87-89 cars. This is very important to get right since this is pre-loading your rear bearing. Also, the nut is a one time use item and should be replaced once it's removed.

Cheers, James

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

Good point. I was quoting from the SC Bentley M20 nut 217-231 ft-lb with a 30mm socket. The Carrera has a 32mm socket. Is the axle shaft thread bigger then 20mm? What is the thread size on the stub axle?

jpachard · 03-31-2005, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gunter
Good point. I was quoting from the SC Bentley M20 nut 217-231 ft-lb with a 30mm socket. The Carrera has a 32mm socket. Is the axle shaft thread bigger then 20mm? What is the thread size on the stub axle?

I don't know, I'll check my spare tonight. My thought is that since they went to a self locking nut, the torque needed to be higher. I got my torque spec. from my Bentley manual.

Cheers, James