Contents - Volkspage

Driveshafts 8.3
3.2 Cross-section diagram of the
driveshaft outer joint
Driveshaft
Rubber gaiter
Clip
Bearing race
5 Splined shaft
6 Distance washer
7 Dished washer
Outer rubber gaiter
1 Remove the driveshaft from the car as
described in Section 2 and secure it in a vice
equipped with soft jaws.
2 Loosen the clips and release the large
diameter end from the joint (see illustration).
If necessary cut the clips free.
3 Using a soft faced mallet drive the outer
joint from the driveshaft.
4 Extract the circlip from the driveshaft and
remove the spacer (if fitted) and dished
washer noting that the concave side faces the
end of the driveshaft (see illustration).
5 Slide the rubber gaiter and clips from the
driveshaft. Scoop out the grease from the
joint.
6 Wipe clean the driveshaft then slide on the
new rubber gaiter and clips.
7 Fit the dished washer and spacer (if
applicable) to the driveshaft and insert the
circlip in the groove.
8 Locate the outer joint on the driveshaft and
using a soft faced mallet, drive it fully into
position until the circlip is engaged.
9 Insert the special grease in the joint then
locate the gaiter and tighten the clips.
10 Refit the driveshaft as described in
Section 2.
Inner rubber gaiter
11 Remove the driveshaft from the car as
described in Section 2 and secure it in a vice
equipped with soft jaws.
12 Extract the retaining circlip from the inner
end of the driveshaft (see illustration).
13 Using a small drift drive the plastic cap
from the joint housing (see illustration).
14 Loosen the clips and slide the rubber
gaiter away from the joint. If necessary cut the
clips free.
15 Support the joint over the jaws of the vice
and using a soft metal drift, drive out the
driveshaft.
16 Remove the dished washer from the
driveshaft noting that the concave side faces
the end of the driveshaft.
17 Slide the rubber gaiter and clips from the
driveshaft. Scoop out the grease from the
joint.
18 Fit the new rubber gaiter and clips to the
driveshaft followed by the dished washer,
concave side facing the end of the driveshaft.
19 Mount the driveshaft in the vice then drive
on the joint using a suitable metal tube or
socket on the hub.
20 Fit the retaining circlip in its groove.
21 Insert the special grease in the joint then
tap the plastic cap into position.
22 With the rubber gaiter correctly located,
tighten the clips.
23 Refit the driveshaft as described in
Section 2.
Checking
1 If any of the checks described in Chapter 1
reveal wear in any driveshaft joint, first remove
the roadwheel trims and check that the
driveshaft retaining nuts are tight.
2 Road test the vehicle, and listen for a metallic
clicking from the front as the vehicle is driven
slowly in a circle on full lock. If evident, this
indicates wear in the outer constant velocity
joint(s). This means that the joint(s) must be
renewed; reconditioning is not possible.
3 If vibration, consistent with road speed, is
felt through the car when accelerating, there is
a possibility of wear in the inner constant
velocity joint(s).
4 The procedure for removing or renewing
the joints is described in Section 3, however if
necessary the joints may be dismantled as
follows for examination or for cleaning where
the gaiters have broken and the joints have
been contaminated with dirt or water.
Cleaning
Outer joint
5 With the joint removed as described in
Section 3, mark the hub in relation to the cage
and joint housing.
6 Swivel the hub and cage and remove the
balls one at a time.
3.12 The retaining circlip on the 3.13 Removing the plastic cap from the
driveshaft inner joint
inner joint housing
4.7 Removing the cage and hub from the
outer joint housing
Arrow shows rectangular aperture