Ecgs needling bearing brushing replacement???

OP, if you left the axle attached to the bearing, how did you re-install the axle into the diff? As I understand, it takes a bit of force to overcome the retention ring/clip inside the diff.

 

I read in another thread and have used this method successfully a few times: rent/borrow a slide hammer, use 1 hook and a hose clamp to hold the hook on a detent on the CV.

Works like a charm.

To reinstall I used a long screwdriver, a big hammer, and spun the CV axle every couple of whacks. A couple more whacks. Repeat... Popped right on.

 

Be careful I’ve seen damage done by tearing out the axle with a slide hammer.

 

I think that the OP was referring to reinstallation of the axle into the diff, not its removal. Are you concerned about the use of the hammer for re-installation?

 

I'm sure. If the clamp isn't tight enough on the CV, I can see the hook pulling the boot off.

Then it becomes messy... Not good when wearing a button down polo and khakis. Lol


So not my style btw. A MANicure, lol, for me usually includes the application or removal of grease grime dirt etc. from under my nails.

 

The axles usually come free pretty easy, but there is a bit of a secret/technique to it. You need to build up a little bit of momentum to help the spring clip on the end of the axle compress. The axle naturally has maybe 3/16 of in-out play in it. Make certain the CV cup is pushed all the way into the diff. Then use your long prybar to accelerate(or pop if you will) the CV cup outward. It'll almost never come free(or if it does you'll be cussing at it a while) if you just pry and pry on it. It needs just that tiny bit of momentum to pop out easy.

Putting it back in I use the leverage of the upright. I pop the upper ball joint loose and then use the top of the upright to push the clip back in. The clip again just needs the tiniest bit of momentum to compress that clip to get started then you're home free.

 

Not really but I’ve never needed a hammer to install I just line it up level with the diff grab the axle between the boots give it a bump or two and they pop right in. I was talking about using a slide hammer to remove. I’ve seen those lock rings come off and end up in the diff. It’s rare but it can happen. If you rotate the axle and rattle it with an air hammer a little bit (the axle itself not the aluminum diff) you can get those rings to move a little bit it’s comes out pretty easily. Old dude showed me that trick. Gotta love the old dudes and there” ancient Chinese secrets “.

 

I’ve been told you and damage the inside of the diff also but I’ve never seen that or even know someone that has but I don’t risk it personally.

 

Last one. A little blob of bearing grease on the lock ring will hold it in place and makes the install easier. Ok back to work I go.

 

FWIW, this was the hardest part to me but I had to really give it a hard shove to get the c clip to get in.

 

Do you mean to use the air hammer to push it in or to vibrate it sideways while you push on it by hand?

 

To remove it. It doesn’t work every time but if you rotate the axle, turn it with your hand and rattle it with the air hammer as you do on this spot it can get the lock ring to free up and sometimes that’s enough to free it up. Then you put a chisel in the same spot from underneath and strike it with a hammer to pop it out of the diff. I’ve never had a problem putting them in you just line them up and pop it in. Sometimes it takes two or three times. You ever seen those stupid shake weight things? Like that. Just do that a couple times and it will pop right in.