[T3] CV

[Jim Adney]

On 1 Aug 2011 at 12:10, Bryon Garvin wrote:

> The Bentley says pack 2/3 of the grease between the boot, cap and joint.
>  The other 1/3 goes in the open front of the joint.
> 
>    - Am I going to disassemble the joint to inspect it like on page 13 of
>    the Bentley, fig 3-21 ?

I would, because that's the only way to inspect the races for 
pitting.

>    - Am I going to clean it really well with solvent or just get the old
>    grease out as best as I can and put new grease in?

Solvent isn't necessary, but it may be convenient. I start with old 
newspaper, which I can throw away, then move on to rags. It's a messy 
job, and your fingers will show it for a week!

>    - How do you put the grease in the joint?  I have only packed a front
>    wheel bearing before.  Is it similar?

It's similar. Just put a gob of grease in your palm and press it into 
one side of the CV joint. I'd do this only after you have the boot 
and joint all assembled back onto the half shaft.

>    - When they say 2/3 goes between the boot/cap/joint, does that mean just
>    loading it up right inside the cap where the boot meets?

I would fill the cavity in the flange the CV joint bolts to, fill the 
CV joint, and put any remaining grease on the half shaft side of the 
CV joint. In operation, the CV joint will push out excess grease into 
the boot space to give itself working clearance, so you should never 
try to fill the boot.

> I'm wondering if I should have just bought a 2nd boot and done the other one
> while the axle is out.  I only got one.  Hmmm....

They don't die from age. They die from abuse. Inspect it, but if it's 
still good, it's still good. When you get the shaft with joints off 
the car, tape a plastic bag over the other end to keep it clean. You 
don't want to contaminate that one unless you plan to clean it and 
regrease it at the same time, which may not be a bad idea. I usually 
do both (or all 4) at the same time.

-- 
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Jim Adney, jadney at vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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