Discovered a problem...

[Scott Douglas]

...while investigating my Sportomatic's non-shifting problem yesterday.
I found this (see picture) when I jacked up the car.
This car is less than a year new to me so I haven't really been all over it. I've had the valves adjusted and the suspension worked on and neither shop mentioned anything about this so I'm thinking it either didn't present itself as obvious or they just were concentrating on their work too closely to notice it.
Any ideas on how this can happen?
I also didn't notice it when I pressure washed the bottom side last August up at my brother's place with the car on a lift. At least I don't remember seeing it...old age...that's why I take a lot of pictures I guess.

[ossiblue]

Hey Scott,

Here's my guess as it looks like the collar of the CV joint is bent. Someone may have jacked up the car using the trailing arm and the lip of the jack plate or whatever was used between the jack plate and the arm (2X4?) contacted the CV and bent it.
If I'm correct, the collar is fairly thick and not too easily bent, is that right? I can't see that damage happening from driving given the "protected" position of the joint.
Is it possible that when it was worked on by others, the pads of the lift slipped and bent the collar? Just a thought.

[Scott Douglas]

L.J.
The collar is thick and it would take quite a bit to bend it IMO.
I don't think either shop did this. I was certainly surprised when I saw it.
I can't see it happening while driving either. I don't think bottoming of the suspension would do it and the longitudinal above looks 'untouched' as in no smudge/markings from any kind of contact.
Scott

[Grady Clay]

Scott,

NO, that is from the inboard end of the axle being loose.
I suspect you will find some places where the inboard CV joint hit something.
I don’t see any fresh CV joint grease thrown about. That may indicate this happened long ago and the CV joint is dry. It may also indicate this happened so recently and you haven’t driver so the grease that is in the joint is still there. Needless to say, you need a new boot kit, clean and re-grease the CV joint.

This can happen if the inboard CV joint bolts come loose while driving. Even rolling the 911 with the axle loose can damage things. NEVER EVER flat tow a 911 with the axles not connected to the transmission or removed entirely. Since the wheel bearing relies on the stub axle to hold it together, you must have a stub axle in place and tight.

Best,
Grady

[Scott Douglas]

Grady
Thank you!
I think this happened a long time ago as I had driven the car to work the day the picture was taken (60 mile round trip). So, no grease showing, it must be dry inside. I think it's time to replace the axle.
Again, thanks for the input and advice.
Scott
'78SC mit Sportomatic