CV Thoughts/Advice

[Wes]

Hi Crew,
I'm re-building a set of rear CVs. They were not on the car when I got them, they were also partially torn down. My question(s) are.

1. Is there a left/right version or are they universal as the name implies.
2. Spent hours cleaning them, they seem clean and free and move around 30 deg past the horizontal and then stick, there is no grease on them yet - is that normal.
3. What is with the deformation on the inner flange where the rubber boots seat - this that normal - looks like it's from excessive travel.
4. Continue to re0build or replace - noting how cheap they are new

Few pics to help aid discussion.

 

[eriknetherlands]

1. I've read people swapping l and r to let the ball bearings ride on 'fresh' surfaces, only worn by reverse driving the past 50 years. So me thinks they are 'non-handed' as they say.
2&4, sorry no answer.
3. Yep, due to dropping the rear wheels too low, the axle contacts the edge and deforms it

 

[ScottAndrews]

You can easily find all the parts to rebuild them. In the US the CV joint itself is about $140. A set of inner covers and boots (the ones that are bent on your set, are also about $140, and outer covers are also available. These usually come with the special CV joint grease.

I was told to soak the CV s in gasoline to get them really clean.

Probably worth greasing your set and seeing how they feel before dropping $140 x 4 on new joints. But I'd definitely replace the covers on both sides and the boots and clamps.

 

[HB Chris]

Don’t assemble without grease, they will bind immediately. I tried this and failed!

 

[eriknetherlands]

Re q2; i believe the max angle in the car due to max shock/spring extension is 18 degrees. Past that point the metal flanges deform. So binding at 30 degrees wouldn't be a problem, as they don't reach that angle under normal driving conditions.
(Given they work perfectly up to 18 degrees of bending)

 

[Ohmess]

Mine did not move freely because of scoring on the surface of the balls within the cages. You don't appear to have this problem, both from looking at the pictures, and your comment they seem to move cleanly within the operating range. I would think you could rebuild these (using lots of grease, as noted).