CV Joint Query.........

[jerryd]

I'm not too mechanically minded, but I'm pretty sure that my passenger side cv joint needs attention :( The spline moves in and out approx 4-6 mm and there is also movement side to side.

Is there a fix for this or does it need a new replacement ?? Expensive ?? A DIY job ?? With the wheel on and jacked up there is quite a bit of play :eek: which probably explains why it started wobbling at 90kmh.

I've checked the drivers side and there is no play at all in that side. Vehicle is an 85 Isuzu County.


It looks like this ...

[long stroke]

Hi there

It is normal for cv's to move in and out, but they should have a circlip on the splines to stop most the movement, usually you will have a couple of shims behind the circlip to take up the slack.:)
So i would be checking to see if it has a circlip fitted;)

CHEERS TIM.

[slug_burner]

The play in the wheel is probably due to wheel bearings, there is a big nut I think 52mm that you can take up the play if the bearings are still ok.

CVees make crunch type noises when driving with steering turned

[jerryd]

The wheel bearing seems fine as I stripped it down and re assembled, there is a circlip fitted but no shims. Is the side to side movement normal ?? Could it be worn internally ??

[Bush65]

I'm not too mechanically minded, but I'm pretty sure that my passenger side cv joint needs attention :( The spline moves in and out approx 4-6 mm and there is also movement side to side.

Is there a fix for this or does it need a new replacement ?? Expensive ?? A DIY job ?? With the wheel on and jacked up there is quite a bit of play :eek: which probably explains why it started wobbling at 90kmh.

I've checked the drivers side and there is no play at all in that side. Vehicle is an 85 Isuzu County.


It looks like this ...
The cv is simply part of the drive that rotates the wheel. The cv does not support any radial load and in no way whatsoever will it affect play in the wheel, or wobbling at any speed. Radial loads are supported by the hub, spindle, and swivel housing assembly.

Play in the wheel could be wheel bearings, swivel pin bearings, or possibly even tie rod ends.

The wheel bearing seems fine as I stripped it down and re assembled, there is a circlip fitted but no shims. Is the side to side movement normal ?? Could it be worn internally ??
Are you talking about side to side play between the external splined stub shaft (part of the cv) and the internal splined drive flange? In your 1st post you were speaking about wheel play!

The splines in the stub axle and drive flange do wear, when worn you might detect a little side to side movement. When it becomes excessive you run the risk of stripping the splines - loosing drive to the wheels. This is a common problem after Land Rover changed from oil lubrication to grease lubrication. I would have expected an 85 County to have oil lubricated wheel bearings though. Are the covers on the drive flanges in good conditions? Or are they allowing dust and water intrusion?

[jerryd]

[


Are you talking about side to side play between the external splined stub shaft (part of the cv) and the internal splined drive flange? In your 1st post you were speaking about wheel play!

The splines in the stub axle and drive flange do wear, when worn you might detect a little side to side movement. When it becomes excessive you run the risk of stripping the splines - loosing drive to the wheels. This is a common problem after Land Rover changed from oil lubrication to grease lubrication. I would have expected an 85 County to have oil lubricated wheel bearings though. Are the covers on the drive flanges in good conditions? Or are they allowing dust and water intrusion?[/QUOTE]

I think you've hit the nail on the head Bush65, the play seems to be as above between internal and external.I guess an accurate description of it is like a 10mm rod in a 12mm hole :eek: so it 's flopping around a bit. Am I better taking it into dealer to get sorted ?? I'm sure the wheel bearings have been converted to oil not grease and the covers are in good condition.

[Bush65]

[


Are you talking about side to side play between the external splined stub shaft (part of the cv) and the internal splined drive flange? In your 1st post you were speaking about wheel play!

The splines in the stub axle and drive flange do wear, when worn you might detect a little side to side movement. When it becomes excessive you run the risk of stripping the splines - loosing drive to the wheels. This is a common problem after Land Rover changed from oil lubrication to grease lubrication. I would have expected an 85 County to have oil lubricated wheel bearings though. Are the covers on the drive flanges in good conditions? Or are they allowing dust and water intrusion?

I think you've hit the nail on the head Bush65, the play seems to be as above between internal and external.I guess an accurate description of it is like a 10mm rod in a 12mm hole :eek: so it 's flopping around a bit. Am I better taking it into dealer to get sorted ?? I'm sure the wheel bearings have been converted to oil not grease and the covers are in good condition.[/QUOTE]
OK, then wear has most likely occurred to both external spline on cv stub shaft and internal spline in drive flange.

The torque direction is always changing as we drive. Ir will be in one direction of rotation while you foot is down on the accelerator, then is reversed when your foot is lifted to slow. Wear allows more movement when these torque reversals occur and in turn results in dynamic forces as the play is taken up in the new direction - this causes more wear (reduced by oil lubrication of splines).

A tight fit between external and internal splines is best for long life.

For this reason it will be best to replace both the cv and drive flange if both have spline wear.

But I can't advise you how soon you should replace either - it depends how much they have worn, how you use the vehicle and where you go in it. Of course if you are not planning a long trip, you can carry replacements with you (just in case they fail at the worst time) and carry on using the existing parts until it no longer prudent to do so. If the splines at only one wheel strip it will not stop you driving if easy going - you will be reduced to 2 wheel drive.

IMHO replacing these is a job that a reasonably competent person can do themselves. A dealer will not do a better job than other mechanics, especially those who specialise in Land Rovers.

You might like to price aftermarket drive flanges e.g. Rovertracks, Hituff for 2 that come to mind. Ashcroft may have them as well. I am familiar with and use the old Maxi-drive (now Hituff) flanges and like them - they will cost more, but perform well and have a rugged screw on cover instead of the stock rubber cover which can give problems.

Note: similar spline wear occurs between rear half shafts and drive flanges.