RE: CGT axle shaft play/noise??

["Buchholz, Steven" <Steven.Buchholz@kla-tencor.com>]

That certainly is an odd problem!  While the inner CV is intended to move in
and out some amount, you should never see the drive flange moving in and
out!  I am thinking that the bolt that holds the drive flange to the diff is
backing out, which allows the flange to slide back and forth on the splines.
As long as you take care of it ASAP there's not likely to be a problem.
What you'll need to do is to disconnect the half shaft from the flange (6
hex or triple-square bolts) and move the half shaft out of the flange so
that you can tighten the center bolt.  I'm thinking that while you are
working there you might want to consider replacing the drive flange seal on
the transaxle as it was probably damaged by having to run on the splines.
When you disconnect the half shaft be sure to have the key in the ignition
and the steering lock disabled so that you can steer the front wheel
appropriately for removing the shaft.  I find that turning the front edge of
the wheel out and pushing the half shaft up and to the rear at the inner CV
gives enough clearance to extricate the shaft.  Have a clean heavy duty
plastic bag handy to cover the inner CV while it is disconnected.  

HTH!
Steve Buchholz
San Jose, CA (USA)

> -----Original Message-----
> 
> Or, is the subject heading to blame? When I was prodding
> around down there, I thought I'd take a look at the CVs.
> There had been none of the typical noises from them, and the
> boots were fine, though. What's this? The shaft moves in and
> out relative to the transaxle case! Noticeable play, in and
> out, the shaft is solidly attached both at the hub and to
> the drive flange. The flange is what's moving. Geez!
> So... is this whole diff hosed? What gives here (and how
> much,  both in terms of acceptable wear, and repair costs)
> Or is this just a quirk of the shaft design and I've never
> tried to push one that way before? I can live with it being
> worn-and-don't-launch-like-Sprongl condition- the car drives
> *fine* with no indication (noise or vibration) of anything
> strange in this department. I wouldn't have bought it
> otherwise. Is this something new to get paranoid about- or
> is it just the brake pads ill-fitting, and a 125k  gearbox
> "running in"?