There is a way to assemble it such that it won't move in the directions it needs to move in. Disassemble, then put the cage around the small race, put the balls in, then put that whole assemble into the large race. If you put it in the correct orientation, the joint will flex and rotate properly. If not, repeat.

Ya, having rebuilt my CV's last winter I know that from experience! My concern is that the new CVs I just received are VERY stiff - almost no motion is possible by hand. They came assembled (dry) and I could barely move them. I was able to get them apart but when test assembling them back together dry they are still basically impossible to move. I do know about how to line things up correctly during assembly. My old CVs are very loosey-goosey by comparison and I am looking for some confirmation that new CVs are really supposed to be THAT stiff.

Thanks,
Tom

assuming they are put together correctly, my experience is they bind somewhat if dry, if new I suspect they will bind more. if you get one lined up straight and put the assembly in the normal to the ground position you should be able to shake it loose and get things moving... not sure this is much help, after spending so much time cleaning and regreasing the "closed" side I hate the dang things.

Yes. Just did mine a few weeks ago. They are stiff out of the box.

A question...why does everyone disassemble their new CV's? I just packed mine and installed, right out of the box... :confused:

Good question. I can't help myself I guess. I assumed that I could do a better job lubing them if they were disassembled.

I just finished futzing w/them and managed to get them both reassembled and moving more freely than when I took them out of the box. They are still quite stiff, but at least I can move hem by hand now.

Tom