How to remove outer cv joint to replace boots

[neilpaku]

Hi, I'm sure there's a circlip in there, based on the new parts in the box, but I can't see how to get at it, to remove the outer cv joint. I didn't see a DIY so can someone explain how to remove them please - thanks!

[ruiz]

Use a pick to hold one end and use another pick to pull the other end out. If you can manage to get the pick under the clip then you should be able to pull it off easy.

[924Carrera]

It has been a while since I have done it, but I am almost 100% certain you cannot remove the circlip while the joint is on. You basically have to hammer the joint off...put it in a vise, grab a drift and a mallet and go to town. The problem is the circlip will sometimes walk around in its retaining groove such that it sticks out to one side and makes the joint almost impossible to get off. Once the joint is off you can replace the circlip. The point of the clip is basically to hold the joint on for assembly. It doesn't actually stand up to any major force; however, the geometry of the car is such that the joints are never pulled past the axle shaft. Unless you crash and your engine gets shoved to one side...

[neilpaku]

Thanks guys. I saw on another site, the guy said he just tapped the inner cv joint off (called it the tripod). Someone asked if that damaged it and he reckoned no. Anyway, other sites have said to use a puller on it and pop it off. I have to find something thin enough to go in the hole to press up against the end of the axle.

[924Carrera]

Thanks guys. I saw on another site, the guy said he just tapped the inner cv joint off (called it the tripod). Someone asked if that damaged it and he reckoned no. Anyway, other sites have said to use a puller on it and pop it off. I have to find something thin enough to go in the hole to press up against the end of the axle.

The inner CV joint is a different style. It is a triple roller rather than a true 6 bearing CV. It requires a special puller to remove; when I had to do an inner boot, I actually removed the outer CV and slid the boot on from that end.

[neilpaku]

I dug out my hydraulic puller to use. I have a selection of bolts that I can poke in the hole to press up against the end of the axle shaft. Seems like a hokey design - I hope the clip doesn't jam...
I'm actually replacing the inner boots too, and learnt that the "standard" method is to pull the outer cv off to get to the inner boot. That guy that hammered the inner cv off was convinced that he didn't damage anything

[Velox]

I dug out my hydraulic puller to use. I have a selection of bolts that I can poke in the hole to press up against the end of the axle shaft. Seems like a hokey design - I hope the clip doesn't jam...
I'm actually replacing the inner boots too, and learnt that the "standard" method is to pull the outer cv off to get to the inner boot. That guy that hammered the inner cv off was convinced that he didn't damage anything

when replacing my inner cv boot last week, I actually used a DIY where the flange is also hammered off. And I was thinking "this cant be healthy for the joint". The Cv axle looked and felt fine after reassembly and the car drives as it should. But the next time I'll probably do it the "standard" way.

[REVOofRustler]

I did one of my inner cv joints also when I had my motor out. I got the tripod off with a steel mallet and a steel rod. It seems harsh, but it worked.

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[neilpaku]

I replaced the boots last night. The outer cv joints pulled off easily. The driver's side was almost too easy so I replaced the spring clip on that side. I think the inner boot had never been done - the clamp on it was barely held on by rust unless it was a cheap replacement that rusted out easily. Filled them all up with new grease so they're ready to reinstall.
I used an old cylinder head bolt as the push rod through the end of the outer cv - just the right length, and my 3-leg manual puller. When refitting the outer joint, I sat it in a hold in a bulldozer radiator bottom tank I'm working on. It's cast steel so very heavy and immovable. I let the weight of the shaft and inner joint sit on it as I poked the spring clip and it just dropped right in eventually. No hammering used at any stage : ) With my dodgy aim, that's a good thing!