CV/Half Shaft Spline Loose

[RMBaiada]

I am having a knocking problem in my rear half shafts. I thought it was the CV joints, so I purchased 4 new ones from Ireland Engineering. Put it all back together, and it still knocks. After closer examination, when I spin the tire slightly, the outer part of the CV joint closest to the tire moves solidly with the tire, but the axle doesn't move. It is only 3 to 5 degrees or less, but enough to knock. After taking it apart, it looks like there is some play in the splines between the CV joint and half shaft. I have another set of axles and one CV joint came off easily and one needs to be pressed off.

 

So, my questions are twofold.

1. How hard should it be to remove and replace the CV joint from the axle. The new CV joints slid easily on the old axle half shaft splines.
2. Is there any chance I messed up the splines on the new CV joints (900 miles of knocking with the new CV joints with old axles)?
3. Can I use anything on the splines when I put it back together that prevents any future movement?

 

Anyone else have this problem, and what was the solution?

[bergie33]

I have always had to carefully knock/press mine off and on.  Your shaft splines are probably too worn.  Try another half shaft.  If you only have another shaft that has the same issue, you might have to post an ad in the parts wanted section.

[Rodolfo Lasparri]

1 hour ago, bergie33 said:

I have always had to carefully knock/press mine off and on.  Your shaft splines are probably too worn.  Try another half shaft.  If you only have another shaft that has the same issue, you might have to post an ad in the parts wanted section.

+1 should be hard to get off. Do you have the CV washers as well? Some have them and some do not - depends on play. For example, one side of mine each had a washer. The other side only had one. Sounds like that may be your issue with the one shaft. If you don't have any or have access to them, you can get them at McMaster - the one you need is in the box below 93501A038

 

 

Edited June 23, 2023 by Rodolfo Lasparri
typo

[Leucadian]

I had to use a hydraulic press to get one of mine off.  The other took about 35 minutes with a mallet and a brass drift.  

[RMBaiada]

Roldofo,

 

There were no washers when I took it apart. Is there a washer on each side of the CV joint or just one for each CV joint on each side of the axle.

 

If only one washer for each CV joint, does the washer go on the axle before or after the CV joint?

[bergie33]

It is a cupped washer, one for each joint. It installs on the inside face of the CV joint, with the cupped side against the joint. 

[7502]

Are there any pictures, or maybe .avi of the axles being yanked with the car up in the air?

[bergie33]

Sounds like it's more of a spline issue than a washer issue. The washers have nothing to do with the fact that the CV joints slide on and off too easy. That's a spline issue. Besides, he said the play is rotational, not in and out. 

[tzei]

For some reason E21 shafts (newer, 10 mm bolts) have tiny bit ”larger” spline end so that might help? But the shaft is about 12 mm longer so might not plausible to use. 
 

my findings

Edited June 23, 2023 by tzei