CV joint rebuild

[cmvasquez]

Hey guys,

I am in the process of rebuilding the CV joints on my 1988 911 carrera. I have disassembled the inner joints and are cleaned but with regards to the outer CV joint I unfortunately did a bone head move and accidentally left them next to the sand blaster which of course resulted in excess grit finding its way into the outer joint. I understand that these outerjoints were not meant to be disassembled but it seems to me that it shouldn't be too hard to punch the cover off similar to the inner joint and simply lay a line of weld when resembling them to make sure they hold.

I know I have a Porsche now and it's gonna get expensive but I guess my college starved belly is trying any way to not have to buy new cv joints. Using solvent and compressed air I have been able to get the majority of the grit out but it's clear there is still a little left. Should I just continue cleaning and hope for the best or disassemble, or even replace. Thoughts and concerns are always appreciated.

Thanks guys

As always any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Trackrash]

There are tons of threads on CVs. Most will replace Carrera joints, rather than try to rebuild them. Before you reuse your CVs make sure there is no gauling or pitting of the races or balls. Clean them spotlessly and inspect them closely.
If you don't have Wayne's 101 Projects for your 911, it is an invaluable source of information.
BTW, have you posted a picture of your car? It is required of all new Pelicanites.

[Targa Me]

You shouldn't use solvent to clean bearings. Dish soap and water, then towel dry would be better.
Solvent tends to leave a film (even though you can't tell its there) on the bearing preventing the grease to properly lubricate.

[Guardsred911]

Originally Posted by Targa Me

You shouldn't use solvent to clean bearings. Dish soap and water, then towel dry would be better.
Solvent tends to leave a film (even though you can't tell its there) on the bearing preventing the grease to properly lubricate.

I didn't know that.... Hmmmm .... Definitely cleaned with brake cleaner, the dried thoroughly.... Then repacked..... Good to know

[NoYouRelax]

kerosene... i put that sh#t on everything! Have not found a better solvent.

[Bulldog9]

Originally Posted by NoYouRelax

kerosene... i put that sh#t on everything! Have not found a better solvent.

+1 on this, is also a great prep for CV rebuild/new grease. As long as you thoroughly clean the joint of all grit, wash with dishsoap and hot water then wipe everything with a lint free cloth soaked in kerosene, and you will be ready to reassemble and grease.

[jason2guy]

i just rebuilt my cv's and used mineral spirits for the first time. works really good.
i did wash the parts in soap/water and dry well after that.

[Tippy]

You shouldn't use solvent to clean bearings. Dish soap and water, then towel dry would be better.

Solvent tends to leave a film (even though you can't tell its there) on the bearing preventing the grease to properly lubricate.

First I've heard of that. In aviation, we used naphtha. If there was an issue with solvent creating a lubricant barrier, I'd imagine aviation would be the first not to allow.

But, I'm no chemist.

[rusnak]

I use diesel, then super clean, followed up by hot water and mild dish soap.

[Grady Clay]

Be sure to read this thread:
Reconstructing Constant Velocity (CV) Joints
While long, you should study the complete thread.

If you have the 'friction-welded' outer joint, you can dissasemble it just like the inboard joint.
You must reinstall the boot and tin from the inboard end prior to installing the inboard joint.

Absolute cleanliness is critical.

Best,
Grady

[cmvasquez]

Thanks for your thoughts guys, I used a bit of everything in trying to get the joints clean. I used a mixture of soap and water, acetone (final clean), and a little bit of parts degreaser and also a bit of compressed air. It seems that I removed all the grit but what are the effects of grit remaining in the joint. Are we looking at premature wear or total joint catastrophe that may effects other parts of the car. I am doing allot of restoration on the rest of the car and the last thing I want is to have a blown joint effects parts of the transmission or even the bearings.

Also the outer joint seems to be welded in some way or simply compressed to a point where it is not as easily removed as the inner joint. Do i need to use more force or is this joint simply not meant to come out. I have read that the later model 911s incorporated a cv joint system that is only fully serviceable on the inner joint and that the outer must simply be cleaned inside the housing. I attached some pics of the joint to give you guys a better idea of what im looking at.

Also here are some pics of the car as it sits now but I will surely post some pics once I get it on the ground.

[cmvasquez]

here are the joints...