TheSamba.com :: View topic - 1987 Syncro - Front Half Shaft Removal

Tue Feb 10, 2015 5:21 pm

Just Discovered that several front drive shaft boots on my syncro are torn and fortunately, I have two brand new units (complete new half shafts that came with syncro) on bench in garage. I was led to believe that this is a very difficult driveway job, (I have done other non 4x4 half shafts in my life previously) by a local respected garage. I also researched and discovered that apparently, Bentley manual is not correct, job can be done by removing only upper ball joints and other - is this true? Has anyone else had good results pulling their own front half shafts and replacing at home? Thanks!

Pointers, tips, advisories? Big thanks!

Tue Feb 10, 2015 5:29 pm

That is correct! Also pull the bolt off that is holding the brake hose to the steering knuckle.

Tue Feb 10, 2015 6:02 pm

It can be done. scale of 1-10 about a 4.5.... Hardest part is getting
the joint out of the hub, and removing the bolts at the diff.

As a side note you can do just the outer boot without removing the
entire shaft.

warmblood58 wrote: Just Discovered that several front drive shaft boots on my syncro are torn and fortunately, I have two brand new units (complete new half shafts that came with syncro) on bench in garage. I was led to believe that this is a very difficult driveway job, (I have done other non 4x4 half shafts in my life previously) by a local respected garage. I also researched and discovered that apparently, Bentley manual is not correct, job can be done by removing only upper ball joints and other - is this true? Has anyone else had good results pulling their own front half shafts and replacing at home? Thanks!

Pointers, tips, advisories? Big thanks!

Tue Feb 10, 2015 6:09 pm

Yep, not all that difficult. There is a certain combo of wheels turned just right that lets you sneak the shaft out and off. Loosening the front diff on its mounts helps though then you run the risk of having a vibration if you don't put it exactly in the right spot. What I did was fasten a pair of cheap "cat toy grade" lasers to the diff and put a tape with a mark on it so I could align the diff exactly where it was. One faced rear, one faced to the side. I had zero vibrations.

I honestly can't recall if you can do it without loosening the diff, which would be preferable. I was moving mine for something else, so did not matter to me. Anybody know if he can do it without loosening the diff and moving it?

DougM

Tue Feb 10, 2015 7:46 pm

Thanks gentlemen, I am feeling better already! I may just do outer boots and repack. If inner boots are fine, I may clean inner boots if just slightly cracked and spray boots 1/4 section at a time while rotating with 3m rubberized spray. I used this technique in the past and it makes an older boot much tougher and less prone to splitting until full removal is possible.

Tue Feb 10, 2015 8:05 pm

Looks like the new half shafts are from GoWesty, they are remaned original units that use Empi balls and boots. I understand that many people have experienced issues with aftermarket halfshaft/CV units - these remaned units seem to be a good compromise. Anyone have any experience with these?

Tue Feb 10, 2015 8:07 pm

Also is there a good sticky on either replacing front syncro outer boots/repacking or full R&R of both front half shafts? Thanks!

Tue Feb 10, 2015 8:30 pm

This video will give you a good idea of the process. I have changed out several on our Syncro's. It is not too difficult at all.

This is not me, but I do like the beginning of the video! :wink:

Tue Feb 10, 2015 8:32 pm

Syncro Jael wrote: This video will give you a good idea of the process. I have changed out several on our Syncro's. It is not too difficult at all.

This is not me, he struggles a bit on some parts, but I do like the beginning of the video! :wink: If these bolts and nuts have not been off for some time make sure to use penetrating fluid and some heat. Ask me now I know! :roll: It will save you from a lot of extra work. :idea: I never had to remove the caliper, or mess with the tie rod end. If you move the inner cv towards the rear of the front diff, it will give you enough room to slide it all out. Like I said, this video will give you an idea of the process but it isn't this difficult.

Tue Feb 10, 2015 8:58 pm

Thanks, yes, just found this, air tools or other will speed up process a bit