Running gear, axles, steering

Checking outer constant velocity joint

~1min read
The joint is to be dismantled to renew the grease if it is heavily soiled, or to check the running surfaces of the balls for wear and damage.

Removing

  • Before dismantling, mark position of ball hub in relation to ball cage and joint body with an electric scriber or oil stone -arrow-.
  • Swivel ball hub and ball cage and take out balls one after the other.
Checking outer constant velocity joint
  • Turn cage until the two rectangular windows -arrow- lie on joint body.
  • Take out cage with hub.
Checking outer constant velocity joint
  • Swivel one segment of the hub into one of the cage openings.
  • Tip hub out of cage.
Note The six balls for each joint belong to a tolerance group. Check stub axle, hub, cage and balls for small indentations (pitting) and traces of seizing. Too much circumferential backlash in the joint becomes noticeable during load change jolts. In such cases the joint must be renewed.

Smoothing and traces of wear of the balls are no reason to change the joint.

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal, observing the following:

  • Press half of the total amount of grease from repair kit into the joint body.
  • Fit cage with hub into joint body.
Note Make sure cage is inserted in correct position (i.e. sides facing in same direction as original position).
  • Press in opposing balls one after the other; the original position of the hub relative to the cage and joint body must be restored.
  • Fit new circlip in shaft.
  • Distribute remaining grease in boot.
Checking outer constant velocity joint

Test yourself

A quick Volkswagen Golf quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.