Genuine Volkswagen Rabbit CV Joint

Volkswagen Rabbit CV Joint Parts and Q&A

• Inner CV Joint
  1K0-498-103
  Q: What factors should you consider before replacing CV joints and CV joint boots that show signs of wear on Volkswagen Rabbit?

  A:

  When the CV joints exhibit signs of wear; usually because of tearing CV joint boots, then weigh all the alternatives first before commencing with the overhaul, because complete rebuilt CV axles can be obtained on an exchange basis and this saves time and effort. The first step involves removing the CV axle out of the vehicle, holding it in a vise, fitting soft jaws, and cutting off the outer CV joint boot which holds the clamps. Slide the CV joint boot down to expose the CV joint, wipe off excess grease, and with a hammer and brass punch, tap the joint off the CV axle and be sure the punch is only hitting the inner race. Unscrew the circlip in the CV axle groove, and squeeze the thrust washer and the dished washer off, recording the relationship. Cast off the CV joint boot and wash the outer CV joint assembly, indicating the positions of the bearing cage, inner race, and housing. The outer CV joint can be fitted in a vise and the bearings taken out of it, and then the cage and the inner race assembly can be removed by tilting the joint vertically. Clean solvent all parts, examine damages and in case some parts cannot be serviced, replace entire CV joint assembly. Should be satisfactory, repair by taking a CV joint boot replacement kit, rubbing all parts with CV joint grease, and starting reassembly with attaching the inner race in the cage, aligning the marks, and putting the balls in. With the grease squeezed into the joint, be sure it is completely stuffed, and wipe the axleshaft with cleaning it and slide on the new clamp and CV joint boot. Fit a new circlip making sure that it fits into the joint and fit the CV joint boot over the joint and tighten the clamps with a crimping tool. In the case of inner CV joints, take away the CV joint boot clamps, draw the CV joint boot back and slide off the joint housing whilst marking the correspondence between the tri-pod and the outer race. Mark the tri-pod and axleshaft with a center punch, and remove the retainer clip and drive the tri-pod joint off the CV axle. Clean up the old grease, check against wear and put together with fresh clamps and grease. In the case of triple-roller type joints, the steps to be followed are the same, i.e. to remove and inspect components and to restore their correct positioning during assembly. In ball-and-cage type joints, take out the CV joint boot clamp, bang out the CV joint boot cap, take out the snap-ring and strip out the inner joint. Wipe everything clean, grease and reassemble, making sure that the snap-ring fits and the joint moves easily before attaching the CV axle again.