My CV joint fell apart!

[Gunfreak25]

So I had the front right axle shaft out on my M211 for a clean and repack job a few days ago. Wrapped it in newspaper to keep it dirt free for the time being. So this morning when I was carrying it to my table I felt the CV joint separate and the ball bearings come loose. Once on my table I unwraped everything and gave everything a look over and I think I see what caused it. Somebody took an angle grinder to the corners of the yolks to allow the two halves to be separated and the balls removed. I don't believe it has an affect on the function of the CV joint, but just allows it to be taken apart for easier cleaning. It sure is a pain in the rear to get back together. I don't even know which ball came out of which groove.

Could this be a problem? Field modification or some shade tree redneck job?

 

[hoop]

"Field modification or some shade tree redneck job?"
What's the difference? It's a "have to get her going".

 

[Gunfreak25]

Suppose your correct on that, but would still like to know if it's okay to use or should I get a new axle shaft? I can get a new one for $100 and postage.

 

[sp00n]

if the bearings have worn grooves then it might be time to replace it.

 

[wb1895]

 

[Stretch44875]

Those joints are one of those things that fall apart easy, and go together hard!

If it's not worn where the balls ride, put it together and go.

 

[Gunfreak25]

Yeah, just talked to Jack in Tucson and he said the same thing. When everything is reassembled onto the axle then there's no way for it to come apart anyhow. I am beginning to think it was done so the bearings could be removed for "easier" servicing. It was a clean grind job and likely done while it was in service. It will be just a little tricky getting back together. I'll just have to put the bearings back in when I get the axle back into the housing, then I can repack them.