CV joint wear

[robdimond]

Pulled my offside driveshaft last weekend because the CV boots were split, just finished dismantling it. I think it's original (184k miles on it!) while the nearside was replaced in 2005.

It looks like these are terminally worn... does everyone agree?!

There is significant pitting on both sides that goes quite deep, very easy to see and to catch with a fingernail.

Looks like two new CV joints required... £66 a side, ouch.

Also noticed there is a bit of play (about one to half a degree) between the cv joint centre and the splines on the driveshaft... is this normal? Does the driveshaft need replacing too?

 

[Hairyarse]

I'm no expert Rob but I'd say you're best to replace them looking at that, it's not a smooth surface any longer

 

[robdimond]

Thanks Andy, that's what I was thinking. I know there is a school of thought that the joints can be swapped to spread the wear but I was thinking these are too far gone for that. I've just cleaned up and painted the driveshaft and it looks great, shame to hide it under the car... in fact I might have to cut a viewing window in the floor so passengers can marvel at it.

 

[eddieedmo]

just as cheap to buy recon unit driveshafts as replacing cv joints.

Nick []

 

[sulzeruk]

As Oli has said before, Ford Scorpio (1995 to 1998) use the same CV. GSF does them for about £40 plus VAT each. The CV wears before the shaft de to the shaft being hardened. When you put a new joint on, there will be no play. Yours are scrap, any more than 1mm play and I would change them. You don't want anything breaking right beside your exhaust and fuel tank. 2 new joints will always be cheaper than an exchange shaft.
Alasdair

 

[robdimond]

Alasdair,

Fantastic, thanks that will save a few quid! So ford scorpio cvs are the same as an S2? I thought they were only for the lux? Good news about the driveshaft being ok I'm quite attached to it now!

Rob

 

[zcacogp]

Rob,

Those joints are worn out, as others have said. A replacement is your best option.

An aside, but you can turn the joints around to make them run on the 'other side' (if they are worn but not work out, as yours are). in order to do this, you simply need to swap the driveshafts over from left to right - they are the same length so swap easily. Turning the driveshafts 'round makes no difference. (I know this sounds odd, but think about the way the drive is applied and how the joints turn and this will make sense!)


Oli.