CV joint reassembly - joint seized
 

I got a bit carried away when re-assembling my cv joint and didn't follow the correct procedure - small points to large flats - and now the joint is seized tight with 4 bearings inside.

I literally did a dry run, so there is no grease in there.

Is there a trick to unsticking these? Is it easier to get the balls out the front or the back of the joint? Could I use a punch to tap the bearings out?

I'm feeling a bit foolish right now. This is a lesson to always read instructions thoroughly and don't work on your car when you're tired.

Thanks

Was it a brand new joint or somewhat worn? Normally, rotating the inner race 90 degrees will allow for disassembly. Can you post a picture of current orientation?

I would not recommend a punch on the bearings. You could always pack some grease/oil in to get you freed up.

the cage is in backwards.
the inner race relationship to the outer is the easy part.
leave those 2 the same and just flip the cage

Thanks for your replies

Oldspool, Photobucket will no longer allow me to post pics. The joint is brand new, but I took it apart to clean before applying grease. The other CVs went together fine.

T77 - the problem is the joint is seized. I can't flip the cage - I can barely get the assembly to move in any direction more than a few mm. I have it soaking in some thin oil and will try again tomorrow.

However you got it in, you are going to have to reverse it. It will go, if not in one direction then another. Just remember, they take a lot more force from the engine than you will ever be able to force on them with your hands.

Chinese puzzle time.

Gents

Just to close the loop on this one, I ended up soaking the joint in sewing machine oil and gently prying the cage 90 degrees with a padded pry bar. It eventually gave way.

Thanks again

what caused it to seize up?

was it put together wrong and if so what wrong

I did the same thing when I did mine. Grady Clay points out in the picture how they need to be.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/306184-carrera-cv-boot-replacement.html

As mentioned in my original post, the inner most 'spider' hub was in the wrong position relative to the outside casing. The spider has small and large points on it. The small points must be facing the large flat spots on the outside casing when installing the bearings.

Even when they are put together properly, with no lubrication they are very tight and difficult to move.