Which direction should the CV point?

[scott_rogers]

Hey guys, I'm installing a new outer CV Joint on my 81 911. I cannot tell which direction this CV joint should face. The Bentley manual appears to shows the "lip" going on the inside (towards the axle). But the way the splines are setup it seems to want to go on the other way. Maybe it doesn't matter? Can someone tell me which way it should face?

Also, should there have been an Inner Dust cover on the CV that connects to the drivetrain? There was not one there when I took this sucker off (this would not be the first time I have found things missing ). I know there are dust covers on the Carreras but maybe there are not on SC's. Again the Benley manual shows an inner Dust Cover.

Thanks!
Scott

[juanbenae]

cv joint reinstall

i found this helpfoo once upon a time. pay close attention to grady and pwd's stuff in thread.

[ianc]

Regarding the groove on the outside of the joint: I have often wondered about the groove's purpose in life, but have never found a definitive answer. The joint seems perfectly symmetrical when disassembled, so I cannot imagine how this could possibly make a difference in terms of which direction it faces on reinstallation. I have reinstalled them in the past without regard for the groove and (even when working as a professional mechanic) never experienced negative consequences as a result of it.

I am eager to hear possible explanations for this little mystery however, so I'm hoping someone who has some definitive and sensible information will chime in. It doesn't seem likely that they would machine that groove in there if there was no point to it...

ianc