Cannot Get Snap Rings in Groove on CV Joints

[benzor]

I can't for the life of me get the snap rings into the groove on the CV joint. I got the rings on the driveshaft. I used an impact socket to hammer the joint as far on the axle as I could, but it won't go on far enough to make the groove visible - it is just about flush. Same on both sides of the axle. For reference, I did switch all the hardware from inner to outer on the driver's side.

I've hammered away at the rings to see if I could bang them in, but no luck. There is a great video online of Van Svenson doing it online for his 914, which I can't replicate.

Seems to me the issue might be with the concave washer that provides the tension to the snap ring. The washer that came with the kit was not splined, and was slightly too large - it didn't catch on the lip as it should. So I reused the old one, but I'm wondering if the new snap ring was thicker, and the included concave washer was thinner, they were supposed to work together ?

Bruce

[Dave Colangelo]

I had this same issue, and also reused my old washers. I just hammered it down until the grove was exposed enough to get the ring on. Im not sure this is right but I have put 3K on the car since then with out an issues.

Regards
Dave

[benzor]

Good to know I'm not the only one who found the problem. I've raised it with the PP Technical Staff. Anyone else?

You must have hammered really damn hard on the joint? I've been beating pretty hard on the end (with the impact socket to distribute the load) and couldn't get it far enough in.

[benzor]

Anyone else have this issue before?

[AKCJ]

I did mine about 2 years ago but didn't have the snap ring problem. I only did half of them while my 13 year old nephew did the other half (he finished ahead of me).

[benzor]

Oh man! if a 13 year old can do it....

[Mike_944]

take a large socket and put it on the end and hammer it! worked for me

[benzor]

Mike - That's good to know. Maybe I need a bigger hammer !

I jest, but I think I may change my workbench & vise setup - there is some flex in the table that may be taking the punch out of my hammering.

[POPS 83 944]

Is that the same clip that was on there before disassemble? My axle has a different style clips.

[Rasta Monsta]

Use an impact socket that fits over the axle and rests on the inner race. Get your b-est fh and beat the fwayfarer out of it until it is properly seated.

[Mike_944]

Originally Posted by POPS 83 944

Is that the same clip that was on there before disassemble? My axle has a different style clips.

I wish I had those clips. Mine were a PITA!

[benzor]

It worked, thanks for the 'bigger hammer' advice guys. The trick was standing the axle on end to hammer down - got a lot more punch.

I massacred one of the 2 clamps for the inner boot. A little bit of redneck innovation to put a hose clamp on there. I imagine this will feel a bit like an unbalanced tire until I can get another clamp?

[acorad]

Just use a zip tie.

[AKCJ]

Second the zip tie idea - that's what I did.

The boot fits tight and you may be able to get by with nothing?