996 C4S CV joints

[sutnav]

I bit the bullet and removed a front driveshaft to replace a torn outer CV boot yesterday. I removed the inner joint (as I was told that is the only way to replace the outer boot) and all went well. However, inevitably the inner joint all fell apart when I removed it and after a good clean and re-grease I reassembled it. It seems to me that there is very little movement in the joint, with the driveshaft held in a vice I can only get a few degrees of movement in any direction when moving the joint to simulate how it might deflect in use. Is it possible to re-assemble the joint incorrectly? It seemed that there was only one way you could do it as the channels for the balls are angled. but I am not convinced it is correct. Has anyone any experience of this? Thanks.

[stratfordshark]

I've changed CV boots on my 928, but I can see from photos that those on your 996 look almost identical.

It's important that the inner hub is oriented correctly with respect to the outer collar. It will go in either way, but if you do it the wrong way the joint will not be able to move more than slightly!

It sounds as if you've done this. The photo shows the correct orientation, with the wide sections of the inner hub opposite the narrower sections of the outer collar. I wonder if you've reassembled the CV joint with the narrow sections opposite each other?

[sutnav]

Yes, thanks for that. I fear that is it. I haven’t re-fitted the shaft to the car so all,that is lost is grease, I will start again...

[stratfordshark]

That's a pain so you've installed the new boots too? Will need new clamp to replace the installed one then. At least you only have to redo one joint!