CV Joints

[AlexMozza]

I need to replace my N/S outer CV Joint gator, How hard is this job to do
My Local garage (Non VW) quoted £150

[Khare]

Blimey £150 

It's a pretty easy job, just be careful the joint doesn't fall apart. You need the socket to remove the hub nut, then you need to remove the bottom ball joint and pull the hub away. From there on it's a question of removing old gaiter and CV joint, cleaning it up, regreasing it and refitting it all up. Took me about an hour from start to finish.

[AudiA8Quattro]

1 hour? you done well.
Its easiest to remove the driveshaft complete.
Loosen the hub nut, remove the inner flange spline bolts.
As already stated, remove the bottom balljoint to give you enough room to get the driveshaft out of the hub.
Now the hard bit, every mk3 gti/vr6 i have worked on, i have needed a puller to remove the shaft from the hub.
On the plus suspension locktite was used, and its a very tight fit.
Once removed, cut off the old gaitor. The joint will come off when you hit it with a rubber mallet, best to clamp the driveshaft first.
Keep a note of the position of the washers when it comes apart.
Re-assemble, then refit the shaft.

[AudiA8Quattro]

Oh yes and don't forget to clean out old grease and fill joint and gaitor with new grease!!

[Khare]

No need to remove the drive shaft when I did it, hub came away from shaft pretty easily, a bit of force but nothing too hard.
Make sure when you hit the joint to get it off, the inner joint doesn't get pulled out too much or it'll disassemble (if you do do it with the driveshaft in).

Use white spirit or petrol to clean out the old grease.

Oh and it can be a right pain getting the new clips on tight, so if you an stretch it, buy the clip tool.

[AudiA8Quattro]

The mk3's i've worked on with plus suspension, the driveshaft was stuck solid in the hub.
There was no moving them without a puller, which is what the bentley manual says is required.
Obviously on some cars its doesn't seem to be required, i don't know why.

[Khare]

The mk3's i've worked on with plus suspension, the driveshaft was stuck solid in the hub.
There was no moving them without a puller, which is what the bentley manual says is required.
Obviously on some cars its doesn't seem to be required, i don't know why.

Yeah, every car is different to work on I find. Where as two of the same aged cars and same spec should be the same, there's always one that has issues with getting bolts out or this or that.

[AlexMozza]

Thanks for that guys
Ill try it with the shafts on first, then failing that its of with the shafts!

[AlexMozza]

All done, just need a new hub nut as mine wont go back on
Anyone got one?? - TBH this is pretty URGENT :'(

[Khare]

How will it not go back on? 

What doesn't fit?