Replace one or two CV joints?

[russimp]

Hi all,

After getting some knocking from the offside rear under certain conditions whilst away in Cornwall (mainly going up some of those glorious hills), which got worse and became a ticking when cornering by the time we got back to Leeds, I decided to whip the o/s driveshaft of and inspect.

The inner (diff) end seemed to have too much play, so I've taken that CV apart and there's clear wear, as shown in the pics.

Question is, should I assume that this is the full extent of the issue and replace the one CV? Or should I check the outer (wheel end) CV too?



Thanks for reading.

Chris.

[Aidan]

Strip and clean and check the other end, if it's good then reassemble with new CV grease, if not buy a couple of new ones; be aware some of the cheaper are not fully splined like the originals

[russimp]

Thanks Aidan.

I whipped the outer (wheel end) CV off yesterday, cleaned it up and inspected.
It's not quite as bad as in there's not pitting, the grease looked fresher and I suspect that it's been replaced (or at least stripped down and rebuilt) more recently than the one I pictured.

However there is some wear. I can still feel slight grooves made by the ball bearings on the outer sleeve - couple are quite pronounced.
Would you think this needs replacing too? (My guess is yes).

I was looking at these OEM manufactured ones from Brickwerks - is there any benefit to upgrading to the 'Porsche' type? - my van is lowered a little, so probably wouldn't need the extra articulation, so I'm guessing not.

Lastly (forgive me for asking, but this one does appear to fall right in your ballpark! ) - how much, if any, rotational play should there be from the diff flange when the CV joint is off the van?)

Thanks

Chris.

[multisi]

Look for the date stamp on the wheel end cv to see if its the original factory fitted joint, ive taken apart a few axles and it seems the outer cv joints wear less than the gearbox side, the cv joints on the auto axles had about 175 thou miles on them and still looked to have life in them.

[russimp]

Look for the date stamp on the wheel end cv to see if its the original factory fitted joint, ive taken apart a few axles and it seems the outer cv joints wear less than the gearbox side, the cv joints on the auto axles had about 175 thou miles on them and still looked to have life in them.

I've had a real good look over them both and can't see any info stamps on any part of the CVs themselves only on the boots, which I very  much doubt are original build!  (although one in genuine VAG).
Assume this means they're not the originals.
I also have no idea of the mileage the van has covered - 5 digit clock shows 80k, but no idea how many times it's been round 

Chris
 

[multisi]

If they dont have manufacture stamps on them then they could be lower quality alternatives, maybe replace the cv joints on both axles, make sure to use the serrated washers for the bolts and use a torque wrench for correct spec settings.

[russimp]

Look for the date stamp on the wheel end 

I take that back, multisi!
In a different light today I could just make out some type, so a further, lightly abrasive scrub revealed these....
The date stamp is 83, so I reckon they're the original parts, VW-Audi stamped and made by LOBRO. Mindblowing, really, to think that these joints have pushed that van along since I was 10!!   
 

[russimp]

Job all done now. 2 new CV joints from Brickwerks (OEM parts - GKN / Lobro). Mucky old job!
I even cleaned up and painted the shaft itself to match the van. Think I'll do this whenever I replace / remove-and-service paintable part. I'll know what I've done and it's a bit of fun!
Cheers for the help.