Can CV Axles Be Swapped Side-for-Side on IRS?

[Rob Combs]

Sorry for the long post - putting this here rather than in the Ghia forum because IRS is more or less IRS, regardless of what we bolt it up to.

`71 Ghia. I'm chasing a strange noise that's highly intermittent and seems to be suspension-load dependent. It sounds like it's coming from the left rear, especially in RH sweepers if driven hard, and happens more frequently and more loudly when there's a passenger riding along. It's also do this when hitting a pretty substantial dip straight on at speed.

The noise sounds like a heavy clacking and frighteningly like a rod knock, but goes away quickly and the oil light does not illuminate, even dimly or briefly when the noise happens, so I'm guessing not related to oil slosh to the left side of the case. I don't think with 155-width tires I can pull the Gs to do that.

Makes me think it's the CVs clacking if they get put into a severe enough angle. I'm lowered about 1.5", but the car was lowered about 2.5" when I got it and I have no idea how many miles might have been put on it at the more-extreme lowered ride height. So I believe the CV angles might be going into territory that was not in their design specs, possibly run longer at even more extreme angles, and now they're 53 years old too.

I have tried sliding the axles and joint ends back and forth within the CV assemblies to redistribute the CV grease, but that did not eliminate the noise. Also took a look around at the suspension articulation points; the inner trailing arm bushings are original but seem to be ok with no witness marks from contacting the mounting points. Spring plate and torsion bar bushings are new urethane (black, not red) and were greased up with the included lube prior to installation but they do squeak a bit so maybe not quite enough grease. I have no intention of pulling the spring plates back off to inspect unless 110% necessary - it was a pain to put the torsion bars in with the facilities I have available.

So, before I break the CVs down (a nasty, messy job) to either rebuild or replace, I'd like to swap the halfshafts side-for-side to see if the noise goes away or moves to the other side of the car. I recognize this will reverse the stress direction the joints are accustomed to seeing, so wondering if there's a problem with this plan, such as inviting stress cracking, outright axle failure, or ????

Any experienced input anyone can give is appreciated.

Thanks!

Rob

[RickS]

You can replace them side to side and still keep them running in the same direction. The right inside joint becomes the left side outer joint. Think about it, you will get it.

[Rob Combs]

Yep, I got it. Forgot the inner and outer joints are the same mounting profile. We really need a facepalm emoji for moments like this.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll give it a try in the next day or two. Hopefully that at least helps pinpoint the noise!

[DesertSasquatchXploration]

I flip mine end to end every two years to keep even wear also add a little grease.

[oprn]

From your description I would expect to find some wear issues once you get them apart and cleaned up. Back when Dad and I were daily driving these cars we pulled them apart once a year, cleaned and repacked them. They seldom went back together as found. The theory was like DesertSasquatchXploration said to get them running on a fresh spot to even out the wear. Once we started that program we never had to buy another new CV joint again.
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Our cars get old, we get old but driving an old VW never gets old!

[Rob Combs]

Thanks for the additional perspectives. I'm going to try swapping side for side first, before I pull the boots. I don't want to deal with the mess unless I have to, especially if it sounds like one of the joints is shot anyway.

I'll check back in with my findings, so at least maybe someone else can benefit. Won't be until next week at the earliest - I need the car for a few days this week so no scheduled teardown events. If in the meantime it decides to do its own unscheduled teardown, I guess I'll have my answer.

[DesertSasquatchXploration]

I painted red stripes on one end to keep track. Once you remove them you can very quickly lose track of what's what. I bought my rebuilt CV'S from NAPA they were 100% Real VW. 80$ each with cores only 10 years ago. Man if we only knew what was coming. They only sell new from china now 100$

[Rob Combs]

I think (knock on wood) this was fixed by changing the wheels to a different ET - late-style Rivieras to Mobelwagen 10-slots. Don't remember the ET specs for each but since changing the wheels it has not had the clicking over hard bumps.

Thanks for the advice above.