looking for info on half shaft install

pimpin944 · 02-19-2010, 03:49 PM

Hi, i just got my new axle assembly (left side (driver)) pulled it out of box, and it can't be as easy as it looks. just pack w/grease, unbold old one (with car safely supported of course) then bolt on new one? there has to be more. I've searched the net for any install instructions and found nada! could anyone please help with any tips, tricks, warnings, any info. I hope this might help others that may, one day also need this info. Thanks Guys!

Born2bwild1191 · 02-19-2010, 05:32 PM

I actually need to do this myself sometime next week. From what i've heard, it really is that easy. Clarks-garage.com has an installation guide under "CV Joints" (thats what they really are, one on each end of the half shaft). I believe the bolts holding each joint on are triple squares, or "cheese heads". Make sure to get the right tool, as a regular allen head could strip the heads and then you have trouble. Did you get replacement bolts with the half shaft? I've heard its a good idea to replace those as well.

P.S. - Welcome to the forums! These guys are practically geniuses with these cars, you have come to the right place.

pimpin944 · 02-19-2010, 06:36 PM

Thanks for the welcome & info at clarks, was very helpful. I guess it is just that easy to swap them out. Sweet!
Good luck with yours born2b. Thanks again!

SolReaver · 02-19-2010, 07:34 PM

Yea, the CVs are pretty straightforward. Please note: the cv bolts have been known to loosen up on folks. (very embarrassing) so, after road testing a bit, go back under and check the torque on all of them. Once you are sure everything is nice and solid, I paint a little line on each bolt so that I can visually see if any of them loosen up rather than checking the torque on each of em. Yea, it seems a bit extreme, but, it gives me peace of mind. inspect these bolts regularly. Do a search on CVs and you will see what i mean.

Welcome to the asylum.

Born2: way2go and good luckwiththat.

Cocacolakidd · Cocacolakidd's Garage

Why is it that when they are installed at the factory the CV Bolts can stay in place almost forever, but once removed, even though re-torqued to exactness they will sometimes loosen over time - I check mine now every two or three months.

ideola · ideola's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cocacolakidd

Why is it that when they are installed at the factory the CV Bolts can stay in place almost forever, but once removed, even though re-torqued to exactness they will sometimes loosen over time - I check mine now every two or three months.

Because they are stretch bolts and designed for one-time-use. FSM requires new bolts. However, even with new bolts, there are still reports of them backing out. Personally, I believe it is because CV grease gets into the threads of the inner and outer stub axles.

Many guys that track or race have reported such failures, and have resorted to safety wiring. We now have a much better (and easier solution):

We just completed a massive group buy (107 participants), but we're currently running a 10% off special through the end of the month on the Stage8 fastener kit (and a few other items).

pimpin944 · 02-20-2010, 07:19 AM

Thanks for all the input! I was wondering, how about loc-tite? has anyone tried this to prevent bolts from backing out? that was my plan for the bolts, unless there is a reason this isn't a good idea. (don't know why that would hurt anything, but I guess it's better to ask someone with the experience)

ideola · ideola's Garage

Loctite hasn't solved the problem either.