Can't get CV Joints back in!

[rainmaker1242]

In the process of rebuilding my engine and putting it back in, i noticed my CV joints have some wear grooves in them. I didn't remember feeling any signs of CV joint wear when i drove it before disassembling (but that was over 2 years ago) so i decided to just re-use them. Now i've spent almost a whole day trying the get these joints to mount up to the transmission, and it's just not happening.

It seems like the balls are getting stuck in the wear grooves, and not allowing the joint to swivel. So I can't get the tranny side of the joint to sit flush against the flange on the transmission. I was able to get two bolts in once, but then tried to rotate the axle to get to the two on the other side, and it would bind up and get stuck.

Anyone please help? Is there a trick to bolting on the CV joints, or do I just need new ones?

[J2Hanson]

Did you take them apart to clean them? When you reassemble and lube them they should move somewhat freely. More than likely they are worn. Also with the suspension in fully droop they are a bit harder to line up and bolt. Assuming the car is on jack stands, you can place a jack under the swing arm and raise it an inch or so. That may help. Don't lift the chassis off the stand!
John

[rainmaker1242]

I took apart and cleaned them - the old grease in there was pretty chunky. After putting new grease in (lots of it) they don't really move freely. It takes a good amount of force (by hand) to get things to swivel a bit.

Also, i already have the jack stands under the swing arms, so the suspension is loaded. the axles are still at a bit of an angle though, and since the joints wont swivel, i cant get things to line up.

[993inNC]

Can you take a picture of it and post? You probably put them together wrong. They'll go together 2 different ways but only work one way.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

That sounds like the most likely issue--the inner and outer races were lined up incorrectly. That will lock the CV up without letting it move much at all.

--DD

[rainmaker1242]

Well thats better news at least. I was starting to think i'd need to buy new joints. Unfortunately, i won't be able to get pics of it for a few days. I'll post them when i have them, and we'll go from there.

In the meantime, is it possible to describe in words the correct method of lining up the inner and outer races?

Thanks Guys!

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The big slots on the inner race go opposite the small slots in the outer race. It's opposite of the most "sensible" looking way to put them together.

Check your Haynes manual for pics. I remember there being a so-so pic that showed the races in proper orientation.

--DD

[993inNC]

Here's a pic to help, make sure yours looks like this.

[DWP]

See if this helps
http://www.outfrontmotorsports.com/cv_assembly.htm

Dave

[trekkor]

I took mine apart once.

Basically, they go back together two ways.
One way is like you have it ( and I did ) and the other works

Take it back apart and 'clock' the cage over a notch.



KT