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CV Bearing Cage Alignment - a disruption in the force
So...currently going through a R&R of a rear half axle, and I've been relying on my favorite documenters - Dwayne and Sharkskin
As I was going through the reassembly process, I've noticed a difference between Dwayne's and Sharkskin's writeups regarding the alignment of the bearing cage - Dwayne's shows the beveled side of the cage being outward and Sharkskin's shows it inward. I'm having a problem comprehending this. The beams of light have crossed, there's a disruption in the force. The world is coming to an end!
Got pics below. The grainy picture from the WSM *looks* like Dwayne has his alignment right, but just looking for a sanity check.
Sharkskin - showing the beveled side of the cage being inward:
Are you sure the first pic is not an optical illusion? The center piece could be above the outer cage. It's hard for me to tell from that viewpoint. I think you have your answer though...
Wow, that first photo really is at a tricky angle.
I think the bevel is facing the same way as the WSM, but since the image is perfectly
face-on, it looks like it is receding backing into the assembly maybe?
What happens if the bevel is not on the outside? It seems the holes are in the middle --> no difference. What am I overlooking?
Nothing.
You will find them assembled both ways, on virgin axles.
It actually makes more sense to put the biggest bevel (both sides have a bevel) to the inboard side, so that the cage doesn't hit the axle quite as soon at the extremes of travel.
The Ferrari V8s of similar vintage use the same Lobro joint. One of the insider 'tricks' is to reverse the joint bevel when the axle is serviced to prolong the utility of the races in the inner and outer bearing housing. So, it would be inside and after servicing with new boot it would be outside. The only caveat that I'm aware of is the ability of the axle to swing it's full travel of suspension without binding, and for the Ferrari it's never been a problem. Don't know about the travel on a 928, but pretty sure it'll be ok. Can be tested in situ with the car on the lift, and the suspension at full down travel by rotating the axle assembled but not attached to the outer hub.