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

[Tony and Lillie]

It has three roller bearings, and those roll along in the groves inside. So, 
no, you haven't damaged it, unless it feels like the tripod part is loose 
inside the boot, and the end is completely flopping around. As in, only the 
boot is holding it from coming off, and it can go over 90 degrees form the 
axle itself.

Otherwise, it is functioning as normal. Generally, the VAG ones will not 
come apart like that, which is quite unlike the Asian cars.

The circlip does hold the inner joint on there, and I seriously doubt you 
knocked it off.

You do generally damage the cover to get it off, and it will more than 
likely not be reusable.

HTH,
Tony

----- Original Message ----- 
Subject: [Vwdiesel] Still working on the '01 Jetta-axle question


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.