Bloody front CV!

[kernels]

Hi guys,

Nothing ever seems to be easy. I had the front driver's side wheel removed today to fit the new rubber flares. Anyway, decided I would quickly double check the diff ratio to make sure it's 4.6 since I intend to fit some 5.125 diffs to fix the speedo and engine with the new larger diameter tyres.

Anyway, I locked in both hubs and turned the drive shaft by hand, now, unfortunately at this stage I realized that the wheel (that was in the air) wasn't turning! Took the locking hub off and confirmed that it was working fine, removed the outer cv boot and found this:



http://www.andante.co.nz/projects/vitara/pics/cv/cv_1_large.jpg



http://www.andante.co.nz/projects/vitara/pics/cv/cv_2_large.jpg

So, it looks like the spline going into the cv pulled out when I was fitting the cv into the new wheel hubs

So, what's the easiest way to remove the cv to see if it's salvageable ? Do I have to remove the wheel hub again ??

Any advice greatly appreciated as usual!

Thanks
Hein

[Heath]

There should be a cv on the inside of that (I think) to hold the splined part in.

Get a copy of the manual for them it has a description of the procedure to remove / replace.

Unfortunately to replace the axle you need to remove everything to get to the circlip on the stub axle under the hub. You might be able to access it if you remove just the top of the hub (manual or auto) and remove the inners until you see the circlip. and then you need to make enough room to remove the axle from behind so you will need to undo the strut and brake caliper and maybe the lower ball joint to make enough room.

Of course if this is the side with the bolted flange next to the diff then its easier. Unbolt the flange, remove the circlip from the base of the stub axle (yeah that bit still sux) and wriggle it out, slide anew one in and you're done - kind of.

[Heath]

Where are you based?

Chuck it in your profile and someone near by might be able to help out.

[COMILUX]

Shouldnt just pull out so easy, you will have to remove hub etc again unfortunatly and the you pull the CV off the shaft there should be a c clip on the shaft which stops the CV from "just pulling out" generaly you have to put shaft in vice and give them a faily good wack with a hammer to get them to pop off.
C clip may be in the boot or CV somewhere and may be salvageable but can buy the clips from shops that specialise in CVs you will just have to take CV and shaft in and get the right size.

[kernels]

Thanks guys, if the weather isn't too bad Ill take it all apart again tomorrow. Bloody pain in the arse! I guess it's a good thing to find this now at home rather than hit some mud and end up having a 1-wheel drive Suzuki!

[Rotazuk]

Bugger , best to pull the axle assy out and see whats happened or missing . If you want a second hand axle assy to chuck in let me know . Also if you want to swap your 4.6 diffs for some 5.12's I have a set here I will do you a swap for . You can take them away and swap at your leasure and bring back the 4.6's once they are out .

Cheers
Chris

[kernels]

Bugger , best to pull the axle assy out and see whats happened or missing . If you want a second hand axle assy to chuck in let me know . Also if you want to swap your 4.6 diffs for some 5.12's I have a set here I will do you a swap for . You can take them away and swap at your leasure and bring back the 4.6's once they are out .

Cheers
Chris

Hi Chris,

That's brilliant, thanks for the offer, will get in contact with you when I've pulled my front hub apart again!

Cheers
Hein