CV joint circlip

mygatts57 · 11-04-2010, 09:47 PM

I'm cleaning and repacking my CV joints that have 4 M10 Cap bolts each. I removed the circlip and CV joint from both sides of each axle half joint so I could clean them better and then reassembled by putting back onto the shaft, (1) the large spring washer followed by (2) the CV joint and then (3) the circlip that keeps the joint on the shaft.

I'm having trouble getting the circlips back on. Seems like that joint won't slide on quite far enough to clear the backside of the groove in the axle. I have the "hollow" side of the spring washer facing the joint which certainly does its job of keeping pressure on the joint. Just for kicks I flipped the spring washer around and tried it. The circlip went on easily but there was a ton of slack and I could slide the joint back and forth on the shaft so that can't be right.

Am I doing this right? Any tips? Thanks

RoninLB · 11-04-2010, 09:58 PM

i don't know anything about slack

but i set the clip by using a deep socket over the shaft with the socket edge on the clip and whacking it with a 3# baby sledge

Superman · 11-05-2010, 06:01 AM

Yup. What Ron said. A bench vise is nearly indespensible for dealing with CV joints.

Jdub · 11-05-2010, 06:24 AM

The quick fix is to vise the axle just below the hip and, using the correct socket, gently tap the circlip into place.

But prior to this you must be sure you:
= Are using new circlips - DO NOT scrimp on this or the new hexhead bolts and Schnorr washers. Really - don't; you will have no peace of mind going down the road.

= Did you thoroughly clean the splines, axle and ball hub, plus the channel that the circlip sits in? A stiff brass brush is ideal here.

= Ensure the "flat" side of the circlip sits against the CV joint. Circlips are punched by a machine, and have one flat side and one rounded edge side (side from which they were punched).

= Put the circlip in prior to assembling and measure the distance of the holes C to C (0 -0) with the clip well seated - this same measurement is what you want to see when you reassemble the unit - this ensures the circlip is seated.

Tim L · 11-05-2010, 06:30 AM

I have the "hollow" side of the spring washer facing the joint which certainly does its job of keeping pressure on the joint.

I could be wrong but I think that washer goes the other way.

mygatts57 · 11-05-2010, 08:57 AM

Thanks Jdub, your post is very helpful! I agree with getting new parts as drivetrain is nothing to mess with. My Porsche parts diagram shows the circlip but doesn't give a part # and I can't find it on the host's site. Do you know where I can get the correct circlip?

Also, would you respond to the last posting as I do believe I have the spring washer facing in the right direction. As I see it the purpose of the spring washer is to exert pressure on the CV joint and hold it on the inboard side while the circlip holds it on the outboard side. The spring in the washer is provided as the washer presses against the joint. While the other way around still provides a stop for the joint it wouldn't create any pressure. Is this correct?

Thanks for your help

Jdub · 11:52 AM

Maybe too helpful? Plenty of coffee this AM let me tell you!

Concave (cupped) washer (NLA, by the way) is set with bowl end towards CV; hole end towards center of axle shaft (butted against axle shaft "hip"). If you look closely at your old ball hub, you will see the distinct edge line etched into the face of the ball hub that corresponds to the bowl end of the cupped washer.

Circlip came with my fresh CV joints so did not have to order separate. Go to Help > Contact Us > Message Center and enter a message - they guys are very quick at getting back to you with the required part number.

EDIT: PM'd you as well.