Club 80-90 Forums

Can anybody please clear something up for me?

I have started to strip down the CV joint and want to inspect it to see its ok before refitting with new boots, grease etc.

I seem to be having a problem separating the drive shaft from the CV joint. I have watched Sarran1955's video but luckily for him the shaft fell out. I know you are supposed to use a drift to drive the shaft down but I have tried that and the drifts just bend.

Am I being too soft and need to try something harder? Any help, advice, tips welcome. No matter how simple as I am a complete beginner. Please see pictures below.

Cheers, Jon.

The shaft is hanging down loosely.



These bits are safe ready to be cleaned.


I am placing the drift down this hole and then hitting it?


The bent 1/8 drift. Now using thicker ones.


Some other parts soaking in parts cleaner.

Two things,
1: You are hitting a soft target - get some hefty iron on top of that wood as you are not getting any shock being transmitted to the metal.
2: That drift looks extremely flimsy to me - I use a 3/4" brass drift with a rounded nose and a minimum of a seven lb. hammer for something that size.

Cheers for that. As I thought, I'm being too soft and underprepared. I do this a lot but its better being safe than sorry!

I have another few drifts but the largest is 1/4 inch I think. I will give it a go with that tomorrow. I will need to rethink the holding device as my vice isn't large enough to allow the shaft to dangle down.

I have a few big hammers so I'm ok in that department.

Regards, Jon.

One FBH + 1, 3/4" brass drift.

And it's definitely here that I place the drift? It's getting a FBW from my FBH tomorrow cheers.

Yes.
That drift of mine is at least another pound in weight so you can see that you need to beef up considerably! If you are hitting it hard enough a 1/4" drift should just fold up like a paperclip.

Nice one Oldiebut goodie.

May have to attempt to strip the wheel bearing carrier today whilst I source a larger drift. If I can't find an alternative I will use the eBay link you sent me.

You have actually removed the circlip I take it? Just asking.

Last time I did this I had to have it pressed out. If there is such a thing as as a friendly local garage they might do it for you.

In the past I've had one or two that required a good hammering to get them off the shaft. Ofcourse, if the joint is being replaced, you can always get a cold chisel against the face of the joint close to the shaft and clout it until it moves. Have had to do similar even with ones I'd planned to repack - just had to be careful.

CovKid wrote:You have actually removed the circlip I take it? Just asking.

Yep but thanks for asking, the more basic the better Jon.
The drift I have is 1/2 inch thick but it's what to support the joint in.
Going to my mates later on and he has a massive work bench so hopefully.

I think I'd like to reuse the joint if possible. The boot was in perfect condition and the joint looks fine to my untrained eye. (Although I have read about what to look for) Thanks CovKid.

If you're struggling, have a go with the wrong end of a cold chisel which should limit the damage. Its not unusual to have a tight one. I suspect you're not giving it enough welly. Show it you mean business and it'll hold its hand up and start moving. Despite the softly-softly approach to shifting tight elements on engines, sometimes you just have to go for it. If I had it in front of me I'd have a go for you. Bet it'll move.

No reason why it can't be stripped and repacked. Just keep what ever you hit it with close to the shaft on the inner part of the joint. It should shock it into submission.

Hello,

Yes. you have a too flexy work surface,

In the video we use an old fashioned vice with a foot on the floor.

I have done many of these and have never had a driveshaft resist a large hammer and big brass drift..

Maybe go to an engineering place with a sturdy vice..

Go on .. hit it..

Wear gloves and so on..

Cordialement,

Sorted it! Used a better bench
The 1/2 inch drift and a club hammer.
Got a bit late for the whacking so will get it finished tomorrow.


Lesson learnt to stop being so soft!
Jon.