Re-Pack CV Joints?

bagpiper46 · bagpiper46's Garage

Is it possible I may only need to clean them up really good and re-pack them? The boots look fine. Just wondering how I can tell if the joints are toast or if the re-grease will suffice? 81 SC 91,000 miles. I took it out today for a few miles and no clunk at all.

Thanks

afterburn 549 · 12-12-2005, 09:41 AM

I from time to time loose up the boots and squirt some grease in

Superman · 12-12-2005, 09:59 AM

From time to time these should be removed, disassembled, cleaned and repacked. Not that difficult of a job, but VERY messy. While you have them apart, their condition can be easily assessed. If the races have pit holes in them, then replace. Otherwise, repack.

randywebb · 12-12-2005, 10:03 AM

How long since you last did the whole bit as described by Superman?

bagpiper46 · bagpiper46's Garage

Have never had them done. Bought a year ago and dont know when they were last if ever done. Heard the tell tale clunk last week and figured to better get them checked. (Of course the clunk may have been the car saying dont take me out today it's
-15 degrees!!) Naahh, must be the CV Joints.

randywebb · 12-12-2005, 10:35 AM

Then, it's all the way, babay!

Dirty job but lots of info on it. Get new lock washers.

rcecale · rcecale's Garage

Just incase you may have missed Randy or Superman saying this...it's a VERY messy job. Have plenty of rags on hand. those blue shop paper towels do the trick.

Randy

bagpiper46 · bagpiper46's Garage

So how long/often does a re-pack last? and how long until the cv joints themselves need replaced?.

KCinBR · KCinBR's Garage

I repacked mine at about 95K miles (88 Targa), I also replaced the boots which came with the right type and amount of grease.

It's a very messy job I used kerosene, compressed air and paint brush to do the cleaning and finished it off with brake cleaner as not to leave any residue inside the joints.

The hardest part was......................getting started

randywebb · 12-12-2005, 03:14 PM

I think the factory service intervals were posted on an old thread. Maybe the Long Term Maintenance thread (search on terms in caps).

Note - if you drive just a few miles a year, I think every 5 years is a good idea - based on the shelf life of grease. I hear they have Bordeaux grease that lasts a long long time...