Re: Re[2]: G6 grease for CV-joint?

[rob@lfs.loral.com]

< SNIP >

>I am planning to follow an even more abbreviated procedure:
>
>1. Remove wheel.
>
>2. Disconnect drive-shaft from the transmission, by unscrewing
>   the six Torx screws/bolts holding it there. I figure it is
>   a T50 size. ???

Keep figuring. I am 99.44% posisitive it is a size 10 triple square
(12 points). Torx has fewer points. I got a tool from NAPA for a few
bucks that did the trick. It had the funky spline on one end and a 9/16"
hex on the other. Put the gizmo in a 9/16" impact socket and fire away...
 
< SNIP >
 
>4. twist steering wheel FULL left, and HOPEFULLY get access to the
>   circlip that holds the CV joint together.
>
>5. IF this circlip comes out, the joint will dissasemble ( sort off )
>   and I will be able to change both CV boots on the shaft, as well
>   as remove the old grease and clean it up.

If this works, then more power to you :-). Having done this more times
that I can recall, I would recommend skipping directly to your backup plan.
It is well worth the cost of the tool rental to avoid the frustration of 
having to lay under the front of the car (I hope you have good jack stands)
with dirt falling in your eyes and CV grease everywhere.

< SNIP > 

>In the event that this procedure fails to work as planned. I have located
>a rental shop that has the right  PULLER tool ( they call it a "VW wheel
>puller", looks JUST LIKE the Bentley picture ) for $4.25/4 hours/ $8.50/day.
 
In the event that money to rent the puller is the problem (and after
buying parts I can certainly appreciate this...) there is a plan 'C'.
I have driven these hubbs out by carefully using a brass drift on the end
of the shaft. Use care not to mess up the threads. You can leave the old nut
on partially as a sacrificial lamb. And whoever said it would take a
breaker+cheater+another_extender+standing_on_the_wrench was not kidding.
That nut is tight - damn tight.
 
>Alan Cordeiro
>'86 5000TQ

As hard as it may sound to pull the half-shafts out, it really isn't (IMHO,
of course. Maybe I'm just a glutton for punishment.) I just remember that
the CV's themselves don't always come apart as easily as you seem to be
assuming they would. I can't immagine trying to drive them apart while
they are still on the car.

One more warning - if it hasn't already been mentioned. If you do take the
axle out of the spindle DO NOT put the wheel back on and move the car.
Even if it is a short distance, you will toast the wheel bearing. The
bearing was not designed to carry the load without the drive shaft installed.

Good luck,
Robert Patrick
Loral Federal Systems - Manassas