CV joint inspection

e3photo · 01-22-2010, 05:50 PM

I had someone take my car for a PPI, since they were considering purchasing it. I was getting ready to put it on the market and figured why not. They decided on another car, but gave me the PPI. I want to get it in top condition before putting it on the market. The only mechanical note was that " can feel clunk like slack in drive train" The tech noted left trans mount loose.(already ordered from host) and play in CV joints. This is an 88 and I am hoping not to have to replace the whole axle assembly. I have read a lot of articles on replacing CV's, but what is a good way for the home mechanic to evaluate CV's. Is there a method to use while the car is jacked up?
Thanks for any input.

Cheers,
Emerald

e3photo · 01-23-2010, 05:52 AM

So , is it likely I can replace the inners and be fine? Seems I remember Grady Clay stating that the CV's should last as long as the car with care.

Cheers,
Emerald

Oh Haha · 01-23-2010, 06:28 AM

The cv's are pretty easy to regrease or replace. The biggest problem most have is stripping out the socket head bolts. That makes the job a major PITA.

How many miles on the car?

I would replace the trans mount first and see if the "clunk" goes away.

msteele · 01-23-2010, 06:37 AM

The best way is to first inspect the boots. If they look cracked or dried out, order some new ones before you start.
Order some new seals, you need 4 per axle.
Order a tube of swepco grease.
Order new cv bolts.

Now take the axles off the car.
Take each cv and take it apart. You need cir clip pliers to release the cir clip on the end of the axle to release the cv. You need to twist the inner cage to get the balls to pop out of the cv.
To inspect, clean everything the best you can and look for pitting or gouges in the inner and outer cage as well as the balls.
If any part of the cage or balls has pitting or gouging, replace the cv.
Repack with plenty of grease and put back on.

The job is not that difficult but one of my least favorites due to how messy the grease is. The molly based grease is hard to get off and gets on everything.

e3photo · 01-23-2010, 07:54 AM

Thanks for the input. The car has 116,000 miles on her. The boots are in great shape. I think they have been replaced by PO about 12K miles earlier. I will start with transmission mounts, just trying to figure how to check CV condition. I get a small bit of rotational slip, but am curious what is normal.

Cheers,
Emerald

Oh Haha · 01-23-2010, 08:21 AM

A little slack is normal.

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

at 116,000 miles, if they have never been done (or you don't know if or when) then I'd do a full inspection on the disassembled units

it is nowhere near the first thing I'd do on old maintenance neglected car, but I'd do it

search on:
commonly neglected maintenance long term

for a good thread that will keep you out of trouble for a while.

e3photo · 01-23-2010, 11:30 AM

I have a receipt from where both axles were pulled at 104,00 and then greased and reinstalled. The boots are in good shape. Part of me says to just see how the new tranny mounts work, and part of me says that while it's on stands to pull the axles and clean inspect and lube, except since it is an 88, I don't look forward to removing the axle.

I did discover when I removed the tranny mount, that the top seat on the right side was missing. Hoping I can get a replacement for re-install. Not sure a large flat washer would do the trick.
Thanks for the help.

Cheers,
Emerald

Oh Haha · 01-23-2010, 11:42 AM

What do you mean by the top" seat"missing from the mount?

e3photo · 01-23-2010, 01:35 PM

I was referring to the concave washer that sits on the top of the mount. PET called it a seat. It is in the bottom of the picture. Had one on one side, not the other. Maybe this was my problem, as the rubber mounts seem firm and hard to remove.

Cheers,
Emerald

Oh Haha · 01-23-2010, 01:56 PM

I'm sorry.I didn't see your car is an 88. duh

Your mounts are different than the SC/Carrera with the 915 gearbox.

The new mounts should make a noticable difference inthe overall feel.

Let us know the results, please.

Flat6pac · 01-23-2010, 04:10 PM

I would pack it and flip it side to side and have it run on a new area of the CV.
Bruce

Hugh R · 01-23-2010, 04:20 PM

There is a thread called the Ultimate CV joint thread or something like that. I'd find it and read Grady Clay's comments especially the ones on reassembly. You want the bolts and the internal threads to be very clean (use spray brake cleaner with a straw nozzle to get them really clean and use a new hex socket to torque, make sure you also use the serrated (schnorr) (sp?) washers.

e3photo · 01-23-2010, 05:11 PM

Thanks for the suggestion Bruce, hadn't thought of that.
Thanks for the tip Hugh, I actually have it bookmarked
Constant Velocity (CV) Joint Replacement
Good read, I was just trying to determine if it was something I really needed to do.

Cheers,
Emerald

Packy · Packy's Garage

How the hell do you just "lose" one of those seats? HA! what the hell? How can those just fall off? So weird. Anyways, that clunking sound can definitely come from the tranny torquing during acceleration. I would listen to what Oh Haha said and replace the mount then go from there. And flipping the CVs from side to side on the axle, I can only imagine, would prolong the inevitable if you truly do have a wear problem with your CVs. Not a good long term solution, but may get you through your sale.

Flat6pac · 01-24-2010, 11:24 AM

My solution hasnt cost him anything and if it solves the problem he doesnt have to spend in excess of $500 and then go from there which is your suggestion...
Bruce

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

true - it is just that the ugly, nasty labor cost will be imposed 2x

e3photo · 01-24-2010, 05:17 PM

Thanks guys,

Yeah, how the hell do you lose a part. I think it was left off when serviced in the past.
Probably an engine/tranny drop to replace clutch, and someone got in a hurry and sloppy.
I got new parts ordered, so that should firm things up. I am going to replace the rear spring plate bushings since they are distorted, so I guess I will give the CV's a quick inspect, and then reverse them. Shouldn't add too much time since it's a "while I am at it" I have a receipt where they were pulled and serviced 10K previous, so not too worried about it. She should be pretty smooth when I am done.

I'll let you know how it goes. Ordering parts is always easy, it's the install that's fun.

Cheers,
Emerald

e3photo · 01-30-2010, 11:13 AM

Well I got the first step completed. I replaced the transmission mount rubber with the Weltmeister from our host. We have several inches of fresh snow, so no test drive, but just sitting in the garage and shifting with the motor running, I can tell a difference. It seems to slip into gear easier, even in the cold weather.
I have new rear spring plate bushings, as mine are deformed, but the task feels a bit daunting at the moment.
I think I will next pull the axles, inspect and repack the CV's. It seems I just need to undo the CV at the tranny, and then loosen the 32mm bolt at the wheel, and it should come out. Am I missing anything? this is an 88.

Cheers,
Emerald