Chapter 15 Constant-Velocity Axle Problems, Troubleshooting, and Service 295
Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Install boot
protector
Transaxle
output shaft
Transaxle
Left CV
axle shaft
Two-jaw adapter
Slide hammer
Differential Axle
Punch
Remove Allen
bolts
Allen wrench
CV axle
Figure 15-14. CV axles that are bolted to stub shafts at the
transaxle can be unbolted and removed. Always mark the stub
shafts and axle shafts before removal to ensure that they are
reinstalled in their original position. (Ford)
Figure 15-13. Some CV axles are held in place by a pin that is
pressed through the transaxle output shaft and the CV axle
shaft. After the pin is driven out, the shaft can be pried out of the
transaxle.
Figure 15-12. This CV axle is being removed from the trans-
axle with a two-jaw adapter that is attached to a slide hammer.
(General Motors)
removing the cover, place a drip pan under the cover
to catch spilled oil. After prying the clip from the axle,
the shaft will slide out of the transaxle.
14. After the CV axle has been removed from the vehicle,
place it on a clean workbench for disassembly. The
bench should be equipped with a vise that is fitted
with soft jaws to prevent damage to axle parts. If you
suspect the axle shaft is bent, check it visually first. If
no damage is visible, the shaft should be mounted on
V-blocks and checked with a dial indicator.
CV Axle Parts Inspection and
Repair
With the CV axles removed, each component must be
carefully inspected for wear and damage. Be sure all parts
are clean before inspection. Look for any signs of damage
or wear, no matter how slight. After the defect is identified,
the concerned part or parts may be repaired or replaced.
Service procedures for the various CV axles and related
parts are the focus of this section.
CV Axle Seal Service
After the CV axle shaft has been removed, the axle
seals can be replaced, as illustrated in Figure 15-16. To
remove the seal, first, pry out the transaxle stub shaft,
Figure 15-16A. (This step is skipped if there is no stub shaft
at the transaxle.) Then, pry out the old seal with a large
screwdriver or a seal removal tool, Figure 15-16B. Once
the old seal is removed, install the new seal with a special
installation tool, Figure 15-16C. Fluid may drip from the
transaxle housing after the axle shaft is removed. Have a
pan ready to catch the dripping fluid.
CV Axle Wheel Bearing Service
The wheel bearings used with CV axles are a common
source of problems. Some manufacturers use ball bearings
in the front wheel hub and bearing assemblies, while oth-
ers use tapered roller bearings. The tapered roller bearings
are similar in appearance to those used on the front wheels
of rear-wheel drive vehicles. The wheel bearings should be
carefully inspected. Bearings should be replaced if they
show signs of wear, corrosion, or damage.