Rock-Auto CV Axle failure

[dem00n]

Hey guys,

Thought I'd let you guys know about my experience with the CV axles rock-auto sells for the 944. The half shafts are APWI PS8001. My car is an 83, I had a complete failure of the race and balls with less than 500 miles on these axles.

Axle blew out merging on the highway. I knew $42 was too good to be true!


Funny that Rock-auto is censored on this forum...

[9FF]

This is common with those Rock Auto axles, there have been many posts about them.

[jtehfreaks]

I've always replaced the CV joints themselves with the GKN brand; but then again, with an automatic, it's cheaper to go that route instead of getting a new axle.

[v2rocket_aka944]

How did the joint fail?

[William930t]

I have done some research and the GKN/Loebro/Spidan brand is the best available OE (re)manufacturer of Porsche axle assemblies. I recently acquired a set for another P-car and I was actually not that impressed. They appeared to have been rebuilt, paint drips are visible on the axle shafts and the motion/movement of the CV joints are not that smooth. The rubber boots do not have a quality feel. There is definite longevity concern with these.

The very expensive alternative is Porsche brand axle shafts at over $500.00 each. The other option, depending on where you live is to take them to a reputable axle specialist and have them rebuilt properly-or if you like to get greasy DIY!

Its actually easy with correct tools to take apart and rebuild. Wear items are easy to spot. Just document correct orientation of the cage in the assembly, use the factory manual for reference. I will likely go this route, should have done this in the first place.

[9FF]

Originally Posted by William930t

I have done some research and the GKN/Loebro/Spidan brand is the best available OE (re)manufacturer of Porsche axle assemblies...

Also EMPI does nice new hi-spec chrome moly caged CV’s for our cars for about $250/set. Easy swap to your axles which should be fine, just grease them up and clock them right for longevity. Search eBay or Amazon for EMPI# 98-5084.

[jtehfreaks]

Originally Posted by William930t

Its actually easy with correct tools to take apart and rebuild. Wear items are easy to spot. Just document correct orientation of the cage in the assembly, use the factory manual for reference. I will likely go this route, should have done this in the first place.

Even better, here's the video I followed when I replaced all four CV Joints on my car.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIlyyTYSqhs

The GKN kit doesn't come with the toothed concave washer that's supposed to be on the axles, but my car didn't have any of those washers anyway. I've had no issues with them either, seemed like a good quality piece of hardware. Personally, and I know it's kinda frowned up to mention other sellers, but I'd get them from FCP Euro if you have longevity concerns; at least then you can get a new set for free when they wear out due to their lifetime replacement warranty.

[DannoXYZ]

Aren't CV joints some sort of VW Bus part you can get for $38/ea?