Help , cv joint came out of gearbox

golfclub

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 11, 2014
Location
Victoria B.C.
TDI
2000 TDI Golf
Was replacing the right side ball joint and pulled the strut outward by hand to get some room.
It appears that something separated where the cv axle goes into the gearbox. Or maybe the cv joint came off the shaft?
How do I get this back together.
Should I start by undoing the 6 bolts holding the joint in?
Of course this happens when I need the car for a trip , but still have some time to get it together.

Thanks ..Peter
 

The Cream Dolphin

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 22, 2021
Location
Fernie, B.C. originally Dwight, ON
TDI
02 VW Golf TDI ALH 245k
Was replacing the right side ball joint and pulled the strut outward by hand to get some room.
It appears that something separated where the cv axle goes into the gearbox. Or maybe the cv joint came off the shaft?
How do I get this back together.
Should I start by undoing the 6 bolts holding the joint in?
Of course this happens when I need the car for a trip , but still have some time to get it together.

Thanks ..Peter
Hard to say without seeing... happen to have any photos? If those six bolts are still in, it sounds like it seperated at the joint perhaps.
 

golfclub

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 11, 2014
Location
Victoria B.C.
TDI
2000 TDI Golf
Update;
Took the axle out and couldn't see or find the circlip that is suppose to hold the joint on ...Hmm
Looked in the flange and in the cv boot, not to be seen.
I luckily had one lying around so greased it up and reassembled it.
Don't have new bolts so will reuse them with loctite until I get new ones.
Since I had a new boot kit for the other end will go ahead and change that.

Whew!!
 

jettafool

Well-known member
Joined
May 11, 2020
Location
quebec, canada
TDI
2001 jetta tdi, 2013 jetta highline TDI
id be wary of using loctite there, if the bolts are in good shape they should be ok. it would be a real pain to strip the bolthead next time you want to get them out.
 

P2B

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Location
Toronto & Muskoka, Canada
TDI
2002 Jetta, 2003 Jetta, 2003 Jetta Wagon
id be wary of using loctite there, if the bolts are in good shape they should be ok. it would be a real pain to strip the bolthead next time you want to get them out.
A little blue loctite is probably OK given new bolts come with threadlocker on them.

Make sure the bolts and the flange threads are as grease free as possible - those bolts have a low torque spec and have been known to back out.
 

golfclub

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 11, 2014
Location
Victoria B.C.
TDI
2000 TDI Golf
Thanks for the replies

Axle back in car. Tomorrow will tighten up all the bolts for the tie rod, ball joint , axle shaft and LCA.
An alignment is scheduled.
Not sure what to think about the missing clip.
Apparently as long as the two cv joints are in position the car can still run and not grenade.
It was only apparent when I pull the axle away from the tranny. The car has been on the road for
almost a year after doing the clutch.
 
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