I have a 1990 Clan, and it started clanking a bit going round bends about a year ago. It has got progressively worse over the last year. I would think it is obvious that it needs a new half shaft, but is this a real pain of a job, or relatively straightforward. The Haynes manual shows loads of different models of half shaft, and says that you need special tools. Is this the case, or is it still relatively easy to replace them. One thing that does mystify me a bit is the fact that the boots have not perished, have not been off for any reason, and this problem has slowly crept up on me. Is it just the CV joint that I need to buy, or do I need a complete half shaft assy? Thanks, as always in advance for any advice on this little quandary.
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Half Shaft??
- Thread starter gpovanman
- Start date
Steve Hennessey
Moderator
- Messages
- 1,406
No special tools needed. First, hope that the drive shaft splines are not siezed in the hub. With the car on the ground, remove the drive shaft nut. Jack the car up and remove the wheel - don't place an axle stand under the wishbone, let the hub assembly hang freely. Using a copper or brass drift and a large hammer, whack the exposed end of the shaft. If it moves inwards that's a good sign. Time to carry on....
Note: If you don't want to lose all your gearbox oil jack up the side you're working on to it's fullest extent. Or, drain the oil and fill with fresh when the job is done.
Remove the brake caliper and tie it out of the way. Remove the track rod end. Place a jack under the wishbone for support. Break the top ball joint and pull the top of the hub towards you whilst gently tapping the drive shaft through the hub. When it will go no further, pull the hub towards you as far as it will go and use the other hand to manipulate the shaft away from the hub. Then just pull it out from the gearbox. Don't get any grit in the hub bearings and fitting a new shaft is the reverse procedure.
Going back to the beginning, if the splines are siezed in the hub, remove the whole hub / drive shaft assembly and take to your nearest dealer as he will have the press needed to remove the shaft from the hub.
Good luck
Note: If you don't want to lose all your gearbox oil jack up the side you're working on to it's fullest extent. Or, drain the oil and fill with fresh when the job is done.
Remove the brake caliper and tie it out of the way. Remove the track rod end. Place a jack under the wishbone for support. Break the top ball joint and pull the top of the hub towards you whilst gently tapping the drive shaft through the hub. When it will go no further, pull the hub towards you as far as it will go and use the other hand to manipulate the shaft away from the hub. Then just pull it out from the gearbox. Don't get any grit in the hub bearings and fitting a new shaft is the reverse procedure.
Going back to the beginning, if the splines are siezed in the hub, remove the whole hub / drive shaft assembly and take to your nearest dealer as he will have the press needed to remove the shaft from the hub.
Good luck