Audi Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

The joint must be dismantled for replacing grease in the event of severe contamination and if contact surfaces and balls are to be checked for wear and damage.

• ‒ → Swivel ball hub and ball cage.
• ‒ Press out joint element in direction of arrow.
• ‒ Press balls out of cage.

Note:

Ball hub and joint element are paired and should be marked prior to removal. Take care not to alter raceway assignment.

• ‒ → Tip ball hub out of ball cage via ball raceway (arrows).
• ‒ Check joint element, ball hub, ball cage and balls for pitting and signs of seizure.

Note:

Excessive backlash in joint becomes apparent from load change jolts. Joint is then to be replaced. Smooth areas and running marks on balls do not necessitate joint replacement.

Installing

• ‒ → Insert ball hub in ball cage via the two chamfers. Installation position is arbitrary. Press balls into cage.
• ‒ Insert hub with cage and balls in upright position in joint element.

Notes:

• ◆ → On insertion, make sure that broad gap -a- at joint element coincides with narrow gap -b- at hub after swivelling in.

• ‒ → Swivel in ball hub; to do so swivel hub out of cage (arrows) until the spacing of the balls corresponds to that of the raceways.

• ‒ → Swivel in hub with balls by pressing firmly on cage (arrow).

Checking operation of constant velocity joint

Constant velocity joint has been correctly assembled if ball hub can be pushed back and forth by hand over entire length compensation range.