Removing Driveshafts
Discussion
I'm in the middle of replacing the front subframe, and need to get the driveshafts out of the diff to lift the engine out. My intention is to leave the hub assembled - i.e. the brake disc, caliper and outer CV joint - and simply remove the whole thing from the inner pot joint. I'm assuming that's possible, and it will save me considerable time, but I'm really struggling to work out how you get the shaft out.
I don't have the special tool and the Haynes description of using a tyre lever isn't clear enough. Where should I be prying - is it just like an ordinary half shaft with splines that will pull out?
Thanks.
I don't have the special tool and the Haynes description of using a tyre lever isn't clear enough. Where should I be prying - is it just like an ordinary half shaft with splines that will pull out?
Thanks.
It will probably have a pot joint, unless its pre-1973:
The shiny bit in the pic has the splines inside it and goes into the gearbox. Simply get a tyre lever between the gearbox and the big black bit and pry them apart, where arrowed:
I've also done it by simply pulling on the disc / hub assembly until it pops out - the problem is that the UJ is just as likely to pop apart as the joint.
HTH
The shiny bit in the pic has the splines inside it and goes into the gearbox. Simply get a tyre lever between the gearbox and the big black bit and pry them apart, where arrowed:
I've also done it by simply pulling on the disc / hub assembly until it pops out - the problem is that the UJ is just as likely to pop apart as the joint.
HTH
Edited by miniman on Thursday 4th August 18:07
its even easier if you just cut the tie strap and withdraw the shaft with the boot and the inner part of the joint still atached - leaving the outer part still atached to the gearbox - no oil leaks or special tools required.
it your only taking the engine out, its possible to do the above and remove the engine without having to even undo any of the balljoints, trackrod ends etc - but if you want to try this, the engine needs to be on a crane or a hoist as its very tight - you cannot just yank it out.
its also worth rembering that the complete inner joint will not pass through the hole in the subframe (major design fault!), so if you want to remove the shafts, you will need to either knock the complete joint off, or split them as described above.
its also worth noting that the inner part of either joint (or either joint as a whole if the boot is still strapped to the outers will not just 'slide' off the shafts, they are held on with snap rings and need a good 'whack' with a hammer and a punch to free them - again, why cutting the boots and leaving the inners/outers on their repective splines is a real labour saver
all nice and easy!
it your only taking the engine out, its possible to do the above and remove the engine without having to even undo any of the balljoints, trackrod ends etc - but if you want to try this, the engine needs to be on a crane or a hoist as its very tight - you cannot just yank it out.
its also worth rembering that the complete inner joint will not pass through the hole in the subframe (major design fault!), so if you want to remove the shafts, you will need to either knock the complete joint off, or split them as described above.
its also worth noting that the inner part of either joint (or either joint as a whole if the boot is still strapped to the outers will not just 'slide' off the shafts, they are held on with snap rings and need a good 'whack' with a hammer and a punch to free them - again, why cutting the boots and leaving the inners/outers on their repective splines is a real labour saver
all nice and easy!
Edited by guru_1071 on Thursday 4th August 20:20
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