74 CV Joints

[74-911]

Started the process of refreshing the rear suspension - 140K+ miles - no problems just knew it needed to be done - (after procrastinating... for several years ). New bushings, shocks, rebuild calipers, service CV joints, etc. All went well, the T-bars literally fell out and they are like new, rebuilt the calipers, removed old springplate bushings and then I noticed a small ball bearing more or less under the driver side trailing arm. Then I found one under the passenger side trailing arm.

I haven't pulled the CV joints yet but after reading the CV joint threads it appears the outer CV joints at a minimum will need replacing. While perusing the Pelican catalog I noticed (1). that 74 CV joints are very expensive ($225) and (2). I can get a complete axle assembly with both CV joints for about $30 more.

Question is why are the '74 CV joints so expensive and is there something I am missing as to why I wouldn't just replace the complete axle assembly??

thanks,
Jack

[Larry_Ratcliff]

hmm... if they are not making noise why replace them. If you have to replace them then I actually have a pair of brand new ones that I had purchased for my 74 many years ago but then I upgraded to late model carerra axels.

If the boots are bad then regrease the axels replace the boots and go on down the road.

[74-911]

Larry,
They had not been making any noise. However, with the shock removed allowing the trailing arm to drop down, the ball bearing apparently just fell out of the outboard CVs. I haven't unbolted any of the CV joints at all. From reading other threads I thought if a ball bearing could drop out the cage was worn out or damaged.

[randywebb]

was it at an extreme angle?

[74-911]

Originally posted by randywebb
was it at an extreme angle?

The trailing arm was down as far as it could drop so it was a fairly extreme angle. I have never had one of the CVs apart but the pictures posted appear there is a cage holding the balls in place and the only way a ball bearing could fall out is if the cage was damaged?
The ball bearings that fell out show no signs of wear or damage but were dry greasewise. I have inspected the boots regularly and none of them are damaged.

[Early_S_Man]

If, as Randy alluded to ... the races are moved to an angularity approaching 70° - 80° ... the ball bearings can just fall out. That angularity is how they are assembled after cleaning! If the races are intact but ball bearings are scratched or nicked ... they can be replaced with standard 7/8" replacement ball bearings from a local bearing supply store.

[randywebb]

IT sounds like you should dis-assemble and inspect the cages and bearings very carefully. Running dry is not good for them, but they may still be just fine. I don't know how you could measure a cage for wear per se.

[74-911]

Appreciate the responses gentlemen. I just assumed the worse when the ball bearings fell out before I had a chance to pull the joints and check them out... bearings falling out of anything is normally not a good sign ....
When it warms back up to normal around here I will pull them and see what they look like.