Question about servicing CV joints

I have car I need to replace the boot on a CV joint. I’ll be completely disassembling it to clean and grease. Do I need to put every piece, inner and outer races and balls back together so every piece is in the same position it came from when I take it apart?

 

No, it's not super-critical in this application IMO as it's not a case where the ball is moving/rotating at high speed. In fact, reversing the whole CV joint itself is often done to shift the "wear" to new locations on the races.

 

What model ?

 

Just carefully check the individual balls and races for any wear or distortions, it will be obvious, if any are found, replace the unit.
Gary Bobileff
Bobileff Motorcar Company in San Diego

 

No but be careful when re-installing the CV joint itself into the vehicle.

I'm not sure about Ferrari CV joints specifically, but on some cars they can come apart when installing back into the trans axle (if you angle or extend them too far).

Ray

 

Sorry, should have listed the car. It’s a 2013 Suzuki SX4 Crossover. While it’s not a Ferrari I figured I’d get some good info from people much smarter than I. Thx for the replies.

 

A lot of times (these days), it's cheaper to buy an entire new half shaft as opposed to going through the hassles of replacing the boot on the old shaft. I just did the front CV joints on my girlfriend's Lexus and it was cheaper just to buy them off Amazon than try to source the rubber boot, bands, etc.

Ray

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For some reason the driver side rear axel is Unobtainium. Supposedly you can order it from Japan for $2000. The fronts are readily available.

 

This is why I drive a Toyota now.. even in 3rd world countries, parts are just down the road (if there is a road I mean).

Ray

 

Did you check eBay?

Ray

 

I have in the past but none available at this time.

 

I had the same thought after you disclosed that it was for a Japanese import: "why not just buy a new axle assembly instead of dicking around cleaning/repacking/new boots/boot clamps (last time I did this on a Honda it was only about $69 for the whole axle assembly)" so I went to RockAuto and then I maybe found out why -- it's a Suzuki, and those haven't been sold in the US since 2013 .

 

The wife loves her little car. She doesn’t want a Lexus or Tahoe or any other expensive vehicle. She has no problems with all of the cars I have or the motorcycle or the airplane. So the way I see it I’ll keep her little SX4 running and looking great. It makes her very happy.

 

The SX4 was also sold as a Fiat Sedici so it's even kinda, sorta Italian...

 

Maybe put some shields on it and call it a baby Ferrari!

 

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