changing cv joints

[lord_verminaard]

SAE tools on a German car?  NO WAY!  Don't you Canadians use metric up there anyway?  Sheesh. 

Like Lucas said, 30mm axle.  27mm for injectors.

Inner flange bolts are triple-square- 8mm I think.

Removing those inner flange bolts are my least favorite thing to do on a VW.  There is no easy way to reach them.  Just did that on my Audi last weekend which was worse.    Replacing the whole axle is a million times easier than replacing just the joint.  I attempted to replace a joint on my first Scirocco, it was a greasy nightmare.

Brendan

[8v-of-fury]

Haha yeah we use Metric... HOWEVER! Canadian TIRE Never seems to have the CORRECT ONES. Only SAE. Which works for me Its hard to strip 1 1/4" nut Atleast thats what i found. lol

and yes changing whole axle is so much cleaner.

[burn_your_money]

On a mk2 I would remove the 3 bolts that hold the ball joint on before attempting to remove the front control arm bolt. I've snapped 2 of them off and that is not a fun job to fix.

If you do remove the 3 bolts for the ball joint you should buy a new lock plate and new bolts just in case.

[smutts]

And there is me using an armco post by the road to pound the sodding thing off!

Apologies to the confused, I've just remembered that was for the Mk2 Polo I had. So the Mk2 Golf might be a nicer job...........maybe......or not.

[theman53]

On a mk2 I would remove the 3 bolts that hold the ball joint on before attempting to remove the front control arm bolt. I've snapped 2 of them off and that is not a fun job to fix.

If you do remove the 3 bolts for the ball joint you should buy a new lock plate and new bolts just in case.

I have only done MKI and I usually just take the ball joint bolt loose. Pop out the ball joint/push down on the arm and swing the strut out of the way. Can MKII do this? I hope as I need to this weekend.

[Rabbit on Roids]

well, from my experiences, the axles are equally easy to change on mk1 and mk2 cars. loosen ball joint pinch bolt, drop a-arm, remove axle. reinstallation is the exact opposite. very easy to do. your a smart guy..

[theman53]

I just was thinking that there is no way I would take the 3 bolts out of the ball joint if the pinch bolt worked thats all

[Rabbit on Roids]

ball joint bolts wouldnt do me any good anyway. pretty sure every car i won has stock BJs in it still. or atleast if someone replaced them, they went out of there way to have them riveted back on.

[bajacalal]

I don't think you have to drop the control arm. If you can't get the axle to clear the edge of the flange on the transmission while removing or installing it, try turning the steering wheel and if you still can't get it, use a jack to raise the engine about 1/2". Slightly lifting the engine give you just enough room.

[Rabbit on Roids]

it may not be necessary, but it makes it a whole lot easier. cause you have to follow the exact same path going back in as you did coming out. i find it easier to pull the one bolt holding the ball joint and just swing the whole she-bang out of the way. my wrists dont like to move how i want them to sometimes..

[duffer]

Also, remember not to move the car, while the outer CV is removed, or you'll ruin the front wheel bearings.

If you have to, you can install an old cvj, as a temporary measure.