So, I'm on my second cv axle change in 3 months...The boots keep splitting. I thought maybe too much torsion bar, but after inspecting today, i noticed a lot of play in the cj joint( where it bolts up on the inside)). There must be bearings at the inner axle?? Could this cause boots to tear?
rr

 

so, I'm guessing no one has had problems with the inner axle bearings?

 

The inner end of the half-shaft (the "tulip" joint) is a set of three rollers moving in and out on tracks. If you can move the inner end of the half-shaft any appreciable amount while the rig is on the ground, that joint is shot.

 

Is there anything to changing these?

 

Hmm. When I search "change CV" I get 242 hits. Maybe someone has written something on this? ....

The replacement part (rebuilt) is $60 at Autozone. Maybe even less for a "new" half-shaft at O'Reilly, that at least one poster likes. There are lots of writeups on how to do this, some better than otherS.

Or, you could read the manual. The one thing they don't tell you is that the half-shaft will not come out if the wheel is dangling; the front suspension has to be compressed as though it is sitting on the wheel (I use a jack under the rotor to lift it until the weight just comes off the jack stand.) Others who did not know this have resorted to all sorts of destruction; from removing the shocks and ball joints up to driving out the shoulder studs in the differential flange. You don't need to do any of that (though, if you have lots and lots of free time, knock yourself out!)

 

Well, scope,
Thx for the info...but I've changed 3 of them in 3 months bro. BTW, we are not talking about changing the CV.
I thought I clearly stated that the problem is inside of the CV, you know, medial to the axle. More like a bearing or bushing that the shaft slips into. So thanks for jumping on the "search engine" bandwagon. Yes I can read all day long, but, then, there would be a lot less board participation. Maybe, you should try reading the post before you try to flame somebody SON!

 

Personally I'd quit messin around with changing the boots and just get a replacement axle. If your feeling play in the actual joint, then the joint itself is worn out. I've had fairly good luck with napa axles, and you can get those for about $50-60 a piece if I remeber right.

And a word of advice, try not to be so hostile in firing back. People won't want to help you if you get mad at them...or immediately start the search flaming.

 

You asked about play in the CV joint in the OP, what did you expect?

Is there play in the flange the CV bolts to? Is the front diff leaking? If yes you have a problem other than the CV itself, if no, un-crank your torsion bars or figure out what's hitting the boot an cutting it.

 

Look guys, as stated: I have changed the CV.
The slop is found in what the axle bolts to. The two questions were:
1.Is there anything to changing the bushing/bearing that the axle bolts to? (inside/medial to the Axle)"Not towards the outter
of the axle; Not out in the wheel area, but near/adjacent to the axle housing)
2. Could the vibration/slop cause the boot to split/tear?
Kindof hard to search imo.
Thx.
RR

 

Maybe a picture would help: http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1990-1995...i/descript.pdf

When you said you saw a lot of play in the inner cv joint, I assumed you found play in what is actually called the tripod-type CVJ. No? Is it inboard of that? ("medial" means "in the middle") The only thing inboard of the half-shaft is the front differential. If you have slop in the differential flange then breaking boots is the least of your problems.

I'm sorry that I'm having difficulty picturing your problem, but vocabulary helps. You say you've already "changed the CV," but the only way to do that is by replacing two CVs on each end of the half-shaft (they are not individually replaceable). The inner end of the half-shaft doesn't really "slip into" anything; it's a flange-flange connection to the differential flange.

So if the slop is in the flange of the front differential, you've got a real problem, and the repair of that is beyond my experience. I can't say that it would break boots, but as I did say, the boots would be the least of your problems.

 

Pics to go with your terminology would help.

:wabbit2:

 

Thx scope. You're right, my terminology may be a little weak. Pics coming up, to help clarify.
RR

 

Yep, there are bearings on the CV output from the differential.

 

The correct terminology for the part(s) in question is side gear shaft.

And, only front axles/differentials with ADD have additional internal bearings that provide support for them. Non-ADD front axles/differentials don't have them(or have side gear shafts that will accept them).

Disassembly and Assembly of Differential (with out A.D.D.)
Disassembly and Assembly of Differential (with A.D.D.)

Could they possibly have anything to do with the boots tearing?

No. That's a little bit too far of a stretch...IMO. Pardon the pun.

 

MH, I just looked at the drawings you linked to and
... with A.D.D.: page 1 calls out a bearing which slides over the shaft, followed by a snap ring, held captive by the "bearing retainer".
... NON A.D.D.: page 1 has the same part but it is UNLABELED on the drawing, held captive on the "side gear shaft" by two snap rings.

I really suggest you understand the diagrams before you incorrectly cite them as gospel.

Do you really think an axle shaft can go out over 12"+ without some support at the end?

Really?

Besides, if you had ever been in there, you would know there was a bearing there.
You wouldn't have to copy diagrams and quote them... incorrectly.

You could speak from experience.

May be time for you to change your signature to something accurate.

 

Hang on, I have a pic. Trying to upload. Maybe tonight.