[Vwdiesel] Still working on the '01 Jetta-axle question

[Dave Cook]

Working on the darn '01 Jetta.

Somehow, the triple roller joint (akin to a CV joint) that is on the 
inside of the axle, mounted to the transmission, came loose when I was 
struggling to remove the axle the other day.  Meaning, I can feel it 
slide loosely on the axle now that the axle is on the ground.  If I 
pulled it far enough, it would come off the axle, I'm sure but I haven't
 pulled it all the way off.

When the thing is all bolted to the car, is it necessary for it to be 
locked onto the axle?  It kinda seems like being bolted on each end 
would hold things together.

Bentley does show a circlip holding the joint to the axle, I'm sure that
 in the trying to get things loose, the clip popped off the joint.

I guess my hope is that the clip is sort of like the little screw that 
holds the brake disc to the axle when the wheel is off-not all that 
necessary when the car is put together.

Bentley says that you can't get in there without destroying the cover 
and having to buy a service kit to put things back together.

Thoughts?
 
Dave Cook