Driveshaft, any way round?

[RogerT]

Putting my driveshafts back in after replacing rear wheel bearings. I cleverly used different plastic bags to cover up the CV joints, so I would know which was the inner end and which the outer. You've guessed, that was nearly a month ago and I can't remember if Tesco or co-op was inner or outer! Very clever. But does it matter it they go back on the opposite way round, or even if the left shaft goes on the right hand side (although I think I did scratch an l on the left shaft...)
Cheers
Pass the dunce cap.

[CovKid]

Nope, put where you like, but flat surface of joint should be on the outside (ie circlip rests against that rather than chamfered face).

[RogerT]

Grand, many thanks. I didn't investigate CV joints beyond seeing that boots were good and grease looked lovely and slick and black! Hopefully that is good enough, spent enough on this escapade already. A good learning experience though, and increasing my confidence and skills.

[CovKid]

Just make sure all bolts are good and tight on the refit. As others will tell you, it only takes one slightly loose one to prompt those next to it to work loose until you've got no drive, so spend time checking and double-checking - its worthwhile. If any friction washers are missing, you can roughen an ordinary washer with a very course file to achieve a similar effect.

[RogerT]

Thanks for the advice. I recently liberated a huge coffee jar of spring washers from my father in laws garage, and I think some of the washers were missing. I'll take care.