John Orr

Hello guys. I need a little advise. Just bought a 87 S4, and it has two blown CV joints. Both are the outer joints, and both need replacing. After unbolting the axles from the trans, what is the easiest way to get them out of the car? Should I dismantle the entire dissk brake assembly, or lower the exhaust and try to slide them out the rear of the backing plate. Tfhere is just so little room to take them out.

Any help would be appriciated.
JOHN

Ed Ruiz

I presume you have removed the large nut on the hub that holds the half-shaft in place. If not, you'll need a very good and large breaker bar and a strong 30mm socket. That nut is torqued to about 300 ft-lbs.

Once that nut is off, as well as the six allen-head bolts that hold the shaft in to the tranny, you can pull the shaft out. You may need to lower the exhaust, but I've done it without removing the wheels or the exhaust. YMMV.

John Orr

Thans Ed for the info. I think I will have to lower the exhaust. Would you recommend replacing the wheel bearings at the same time? These CV joints were so bad, that on the passenger side the large ball bearings in the joint were gone!! They don't seem bad, and I have never heard of a wheel bearing going because of a bad CV joint, but would like your imput.
Thanks again
JOHN

Ed Ruiz

The time to replace wheel bearing is when they tell you "I'm going bad". Doing it any sooner is just a waste of time and money. YMMV.

Jay Wellwood

John-

It would be easier if you drop the exhaust to remove the half shafts.

You'll need to set your parking brake really tight to break the axle nuts free (I'd suggest using a 3/4 inch breaker bar and a hydraulic jack).

Keep in mind that when you re-assemble, you'll have to torque the nuts to 336 ft-lbs.

Should your parking brakes be toats (try to adjust first), then you can wedge a screwdriver in the caliper slot on the drivers side and use it to hold the axle firm when breaking the nuts free.

Also, when re-assembling, be sure to use the 'blue' locktite on the bolts that connect the axles to the diffeential.

Good Luck-

John Orr

Thanks Jay, and everyone for the advise.
I got the axles out, no problem once I lowered the exhaust. Now I find the wheel bearings are shot also. Need to replace both sides. On the dirvers side the flange fell out when I pulled the axles!! Any advise on getting out and replacing the bearings?
Also, is ist possible to replace the outer CV joint on the axles, or do I need to buy a rebuilt axle?
Again, thanks for the help, its greatly appriciated since i am new to this car.

JOHN