The saga of the too long axel/CV joint

[VAVWFAN]

OK, I buggered up a boot last year, and ordered a complete axel, with CV joints attached. Paid extra for a quick R&R (remove and replace).

I finally had all the stars aligned to grease the CV's, and replace the puppy.

After the "joyous" time of packing the grease in, I go to install the axel, and,,,,,,"it won't fit!" I compared the leangth to the removed axel, and the new one was obviously longer. Still perplexed, I go online to cross reference the PN, and sure enough, the PN on the box is correct for a 69 Bus. I tried again, but still "no-go," so now I'm running out of time.

I ultimately took a complete CV Joint, off the new (long) axel, and put it on the old axel after clean-up.

Question is,,,,,,do I have to, or should I replace (cannabolize) "BOTH" CV's? The outer joint was fine, and I cleaned it and regreased it!

Would it be better to replace both, or is just doing one OK?

Thanks
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If it weren't for "last minutes;" -- nothing would ever get done!

[babysnakes]

If you already have the axle off and have good CVs, why not use them and shelve the suspect ones. Are you going to spend time replacing one joint and maybe months from now remove the axle to change the other one? I'd do em both. Where did you buy the axle/CV combo from? The vendor should be aware the axle is incorrect. I know automatic axles are different sizes.

[VAVWFAN]

I got it from EVWParts, and I haven't notified him yet. I'd have the explain almost a years idle since purchased blah, blah, blah; and I just don't have time to deal with it right now.

I'm slightly hesitent to put the other (new) CV on the old axel, because it seems kinda tight in it's cage. I'll put it this way, it has a noticably different feel to it than the other, and I don't have enough experience to tell if it's good. I suspect every joint produced is probably different in this regard, and once on, would be fine.

I suppose you're right. I can save the one, used, good joint for if I have a road side emergency.

Can you confirm "from experience", if new CV joints have varying degrees of (for lack of a better term), "binding" when produced??

Thanks again
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If it weren't for "last minutes;" -- nothing would ever get done!

[SGKent]

when the wheel is all the way down the CV is fully extended and it will feel a little like it is binding. See if you can lift the wheel a little with a jack under the hub and shock mount. Don't lift the bus - just take a little of the drop up and spin the wheel again - see it it still binds.
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"Most people don't know what they're doing, and a lot of them are really good at it." - George Carlin

[babysnakes]

Keep in mind there is also an inner and outer side to the joints. New joints will feel a bit stiff.

[VAVWFAN]

Rot rooow George,,,,,how do you identify inner and outer

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If it weren't for "last minutes;" -- nothing would ever get done!

[VDubTech]

Not that it's of any help to your problem, but still some information for you.

a-x-l-e

Thank you.
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First Trip in the RustyBus:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=279077&highlight=

[mattcuddy]

measure them.

Manual Transmission = 476 mm
Automatic Transmission: left = 457 mm; right = 505 mm

its possible whoever rebuilt the axles didn't know there were different versions.

[babysnakes]

[babysnakes]

[VAVWFAN]

Ok, looking at the photos, i assume the orientation of the CV joint is the issue,,,,,NOT, the two joints themselves..... (hope that makes sense??)

I took the complete joint off the long axle (el-chicken shit spelling I care less about). And put it on the other, boot and all (it had enough grease by this point to make it slide on with little difficulty)

I'll assume the rebuilder had it right............ ok,,,,i'll check..
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If it weren't for "last minutes;" -- nothing would ever get done!

[RatCamper]

Fun, isn't it? I'm fairly sure my bay still has one of the auto axles on it, but because I wouldn't have a clue where to get another axle it's been like that for over a decade. The only way I can get it on is to jack it up nice and high so the suspension is fully extended, then hook it in from the top of the transmission / bottom of the stub axle.
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Vehicle: 1975 Special order delivery walkthrough panel based pop-top camper (LCA / Sunliner). Motor: Nippon 1.8L Single port Wasserboxer, Transmission: 3 rib 002.

[VAVWFAN]

Oh man,,,,,,,"ya killin me here!" My problem is i have to go home friday (from biz trip), put axel together, and go on a road trip on saturday..... flyin by seat of my pants on this one,,,, but i'll take all info under advisment. Please keep it coming
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If it weren't for "last minutes;" -- nothing would ever get done!

[Tcash]