Inner CV joint circlip - help! (was CV joint mixing)re:

[Dave Conner <conner@cfm.ohio-state.edu>]

Pete wrote:
"        After compiling the recent discussions on CV joints I've tackled 
the boot replacement on my '88 non-Q80
        I've removed the right axle shaft (ruining a stuck ball joint) 
removed the inner CVJ and replaced the boot. I've mixed up the 
balls (people say that's OK) but when I pop the balls and cage 
together into the outer housing everything seems tight (not like the 
floppy outer CVJ). So two questions:
1) How tight is the inner CVJ supposed to "feel" (i.e. it is supposed 
to be "floppy" or "tight")  Seems if it goes together smoothly then 
thats the only way it can be assembled?"

Pete,
I think you have it assembled wrong.  I'm an amateur, but I did this myself
not long ago.  I found it was very tricky getting that joint assembled
properly.  First I got it together like you describe and then took it apart
and finally got it together the right way.  When assembled properly you
should be able to push in and pull out...changing the overall length of the
assembly.  I think when mine was assembled "backwards" I couldn't do that
and it felt tight.

Dave C.


Columbus, OH 

87 5KS
89 100E
86 4KCSQ