Tom, Dave

Thanks for the info. I want to confirm that you are talking about
the inner CV joint here. I can get to, and remove the  circlip
and the tap, tap, tap in the dimple makes sense (Oh, yeah. The
catcher too;). Getting the one off will allow me to replace the
boots on both.

Second question - How did you tighten up the clamps? Did you
buy the special tool?

I will try this tonight.

I would like to remove the outside CV as well but, the position of
the locking clip precludes its removal. The outer clip can only be
expanded in place. It looks like I would have to have a way to
hold the clip open whilst pulling the axle shaft away from the
CV.

The only reason I would have to remove the outer CV is to replace the
locking clip. I don't guess it is damaged so, perhaps I don't have
to worry about it.

John-Reed Maffeo '86 syncro - Glacie
Mesa, AZ

ThomasD. Hanlon wrote:
>
> John,
>
> I did the process with the help of the List members. It is more
> foreboding in the anticipation than in the accomplishment. Hang the
> shaft, dangling, in a vise with the CV joint on top, against the tops of
> the vise jaws. After removing the circlip with a suitable tool, use a
> rounded point punch/drift and a suitable hammer and gently tap, tap,
> tap, tap, the shaft only IN THE DIMPLE in the center of the shaft. Avoid
> hitting anywhere but in that spot, especially be cautious of the
> splines.
> Have a five gallon bucket of rags or soft catch material to cushion the
> shaft as it falls, or get a helper to hold the shaft as it disengages
> from the joint.
>
> Hold the joint parallel, like a dish position, to avoid spilling the
> balls, and transport it to your cleanup or replacement area.
>
> Installation of the joint is the reverse, by using a block of wood to
> cushion the tap, tap, tap.
>
> Tom Hanlon
> Palm Springs, CA
> 84 Westfalia

Dave Williams wrote:
> I did the same procedure last summer.  After getting the shaft out of the
> vanagon, I cut off the old boot (it was in my way!) and removed the clip.  I
> then set up a bucket with some rags to act as "the catcher" for my outer
> joint.  I used a rubber mallet and tapped around the back side of the joint
> (the part normally covered by the boot) and it popped off after 3 or 4 taps.
> Seemed to have no ill affects though I was proud of myself for setting up
> the bucket, I think it would be bad to drop a cv joint on a concrete floor.
>
> Hope this helps
>
> Dave Williams