If the CV joints exhibit signs of wear indicating the need for an overhaul, usually due to torn boots, explore all options before beginning the job. Complete rebuilt drive axles are available on an exchange basis, which eliminates much time and work. Whichever route you choose, check the cost and availability of parts before disassembling the vehicle. Remove the drive axle. Mount the drive axle in a vise, ensuring the jaws of the vise are lined with wood or rags to prevent damage to the axle shaft.For the INNER CV JOINT Ball-and-cage type: Pry open the locking tabs on the boot clamps, discard the clamps, slide the boot back on the axle shaft, and pry the wire ring ball retainer from the outer race. Pull the outer race off the inner bearing assembly, wipe as much grease off the inner bearing, remove the snap-ring, and slide the inner bearing assembly off the axle shaft. Mark the inner race and cage for reassembly, pry the balls from the cage, and rotate the inner race out of the cage. Clean the components with solvent and inspect the cage, races, and boot. For reassembly, insert the inner race into the cage, press the balls, wrap the axle shaft splines with tape, and slide the boot onto the axle shaft. Install the inner race and cage assembly on the axle shaft, install the snap-ring, fill the boot with grease, pack the inner race, and install the outer race. Seat the boot in the required areas and equalize the pressure in the boot. Install the boot clamps using a special tool, and then install the drive axle assembly.For the Tri-pot type: Follow similar steps for disassembly, cleaning, and inspection as with the Ball-and-cage type, adjusting the method for the differences in the tri-pot assembly. For reassembly, wrap the splines, slide the boot, tap the tri-pot assembly onto the axle shaft, install the outer snap-ring, apply grease, pack the outer race, seat the boot, equalize the pressure, and install the boot clamps. Finally, install the drive axle assembly.For the Outer CV joint and CV Boot: The outer CV joint is a non-serviceable item. If any damage occurs, the entire drive axle assembly must be replaced, excluding the inner CV joint. Service is limited to boot replacement and grease repacking only. Remove the inner CV joint and CV Boot, cut the boot clamps, discard them, and remove the outer CV Boot. Wash and inspect the outer CV joint assembly, and if any components are worn, replace them. Install a new boot, repack with grease, position the boot, and install the clamps. Finally, reassemble the inner CV joint and CV Boot, and install the drive axle.
Posted by SubaruPartsDeal Specialist