Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
300 Manual Drive Trains and Axles
Alignment marks
if spider is to
be reused
Axle
Spider
Snap ring
pliers
Retainer
Tripod
Tap with
mallet
Boot
A
B
Driver
Hammer
Wrap with
tape
Vise
Axle
Figure 15-28. Before installing the new spider assembly in the
housing, wrap the assembly with tape to keep it from coming
apart. The tape can be removed just before the spider assem-
bly enters the housing. (Chrysler)
Figure 15-27. The tripod spider usually slides off the shaft, but
not always. A—This tripod spider must be pressed off its shaft.
B—Snap ring pliers and a mallet are used to remove this spider.
(Chrysler)
Figure 15-26. Always make alignment marks if the tripod
spider will be reused. This ensures the spider will be reinstalled
correctly.
11. Install the rollers on the spider, and then slide the spi-
der into the housing. Some spiders must be pressed or
driven into the housing. If the spider must be installed
in this way, tape the rollers to prevent them from fall-
ing off during installation. See Figure 15-28. The tape
can be removed just before the rollers enter the hous-
ing. Grease all moving surfaces as recommended by
the manufacturer. Make sure the retaining snap rings
and tabs are in good condition and can hold the tri-
pod in the housing.
12. Once the spider assembly is installed in the housing,
install the boot flanges into the boot retaining grooves
in the housing and then clamp the boot in place.
Check the joint for free rotation at various angles.
Ball-and-Cage Joint Service
Ball-and-cage joints, such as the one shown in
Figure 15-29, are the most popular type of CV joint. At
least one ball-and-cage joint will be found on most CV axle
shafts. Some ball-and-cage joints cannot be serviced, and
the entire assembly must be replaced. If the CV joint can
be serviced, consult the manufacturer’s service information
for exact procedures. The following is a general guide to
rebuilding ball-and-cage joints.
1. To rebuild a typical ball-and-cage joint, lightly clamp
the CV axle shaft in a vise.
2. Remove the boot clamps and pull the boot away from
the joint.
3. Clean off any grease that will prevent inspection and
disassembly of the joint.