Hi Steve,

Are you sure you have the large and small grooves lined up properly? The
joint shouldn't bind at all.  I know I did it wrong the first time and the
joint would lock solid.

I have pictures at http://volksweb.relitech.com/cvjoints.htm that should
help.

TomC
tcarrington@relitech.com
http://www.relitech.com/tomc
http://volksweb.relitech.com
85 Vanagon Crew Cab
82 Westy diesel=>gas conversion
65 Notchback

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Steve Sullivan [SMTP:Steve@NORTHWESTWATCH.ORG]
> Sent: Monday, February 28, 2000 12:55 PM
> To:   vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject:      CV joint binding
>
> Well, I really tore into my van this weekend. Removed the CV joints to
> re-grease them and replace the torn boots.
>
> As I reassemble the joints, I'm having some trouble. Three out of four
> joints reassemble just fine, and move normally without binding. The fourth
> binds when you try to move the inner race/hub in and out (along the
> driveshaft axis), which Bentley says is how to check for proper assembly.
>
> I am 100% positive this joint is assembled correctly (I even tried every
> combination of assembly possible, as far as which side of the inner
> race/hub
> and the bearing ring-holder thingy is out). But it always binds. The only
> difference I notice is that this joint is less worn than the other three
> (which are pitted and need replacing-later, I'm broke).
>
> My question: since I don't have a new joint to compare it to, is a little
> binding (I can move it back and forth with my fingers, it just gets hung
> up)
> normal in a new joint? On the other three joints, the inner race/hub moves
> in and out smoothly with no pressure needed.
>
> How much binding is normal? I don't want to put this one joint back in and
> have it ruin the transmission or something serious.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Steve
> One 84 vanagon camper in many pieces on the garage floor . . .