308 axle assembly same as 911? | FerrariChat

308 axle assembly same as 911?

Discussion in '308/328' started by GordonC, Feb 2, 2017.

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  1. GordonC

    GordonC F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 28, 2005
    4,166
    Calgary, AB, Canada
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    Gordon
    I'm considering rebuilding my 1984 308 QV's CV joints - no indications of problems, aside from 'oily' looking boots, but if they've never been done (to my knowledge), it can't hurt. There are quite a few good threads about rebuilding the CV joints (clean, regrease, new boots), but also several comments that the 308 CV joints are identical to certain Porsche 911 or 930 (Turbo) CV joints as used in some 1980s vintage models.

    However, I'm wondering if the entire axle assembly is the same? If the CV joints are the same, and the axle length is the same, then the whole assembly would be interchangeable - and there are several sources for complete new 911/930 assemblies that are almost cheaper than having the existing 308 axle assemblies rebuilt.

    Example - from Pelican Parts for a 84 911, $227.50 per axle assembly: 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe - Axles, Bearings & Differential - Page 1

    AutohausAZ, 81 911 GKN Loebro $195.55 per axle assembly: http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?sid=rkf1dp45mghuqje3xvhigci2&makeid=800019@Porsche&modelid=1262630@911%20SC&year=1981&cid=17@Drivetrain%20Parts&gid=11614@Axle%20Shaft%20Assembly

    Does anyone know if any 911 axle assemblies are interchangeable with the 308? If theyre are, what year 911 or 930, part numbers, are valid?
     
  2. waymar

    waymar Formula 3

    Sep 2, 2008
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    Wayne Martin
    Gordon I just rebuilt mine. Super easy and parts (bands, circa clip, spring washer, boot, grease) very reasonable. Just saying.
     
  3. wildcat326

    wildcat326 Formula 3

    Dec 10, 2012
    1,803
    Chicago, IL
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    Justin
    Do you have any reason to believe your shafts are cracked or fatigued? They're pretty damn tough. About a year ago, when hutch was working on the electric 308, I sent him a link sourcing the Lobro axle parts, and - as I recall - he did some research and found that the ends were the same, but shafts were of different length. Try asking 308Hutch and maybe he remembers the details. For myself, I had the middle part of the shafts sandblasted and powdercoated, then just re packed the bearings with fresh grease and boots. David Feinberg at Ferrari Service of Bedford sells the complete kits.
     
  4. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,288
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    Brian Crall
    The whole thing is made by Loebro as I recall but I'd be surprised if they were the same length. Good price for complete axles though. Makes buying the complete thing and throwing away the part in the middle a consideration.

    The axles are very strong and I would be surprised to see a failure of one, I have seen the splines worn out though. As far as strength the stub axle is the weak link.
     
  5. 2dinos

    2dinos F1 Rookie

    Jan 13, 2007
    3,060
    Sounds like a great idea. Which car uses the same CV joints? The 930?
     
  6. jdamon

    jdamon Formula Junior

    Jul 6, 2015
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    Boston
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    Jeff
    I rebuilt my cv's and changed the axle seals at the same time (last summer), and it was cheap and super easy. I also got the kit from David Feinberg, but I imagine it would be even less if you sourced those parts yourself from where ever, superformance for example.

    I am in the middle of a major service for my 83' 308 QV, and I have read your thread on the Miata forum a bunch of times Gordon. I am surprised you are hesitant to rebuild them, you did such a nice job and write up for the major service. The cv rebuild will take you a couple hours at most. Good luck!
     
  7. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    Feb 24, 2006
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    Mike
    Should this be on the sticky?
     
  8. waymar

    waymar Formula 3

    Sep 2, 2008
    1,354
    Northeast, PA - USA
    Full Name:
    Wayne Martin
    Just rebuilt mine found these items as cross reference added them to the sticky for parts along with a few other rear hub items.
    CV Joint Spring Washer Porsche 901-332-312-00
    CV Joint Circa Clip Porsche 999-152-084-01
     
  9. moysiuan

    moysiuan F1 Rookie
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    Nov 1, 2005
    4,248
    Canada
    The CV joints are very robust, and in a mid engine application (verses a front wheel drive) will not wear out unless the boot split and you get water and crap in there.

    But the boots will split.

    So you remove the axle, this is the "hard" part, I say hard in that it will likely go well simply as the bolts are very tight. In small instances there seems to be corrosion and stripping the allen head bolt and other less common issues with actually getting the axles off. That would be when it gets hard. But not my experience.

    Once of, cut off the old boot, get three spray cans of brake cleaner and wipe out the old grease and spray the heck out of things to clean out the joints. Only one joint (via one circlip) need to be removed to get one joint off, put on the new boots, pack with grease, put the boot retainers on (use a bit of hylomar to get the boots completely sealed from elements), and the bolt on is much easier than the bolt off.

    So no need to replace CV joints in all but exceptional wear instances. If you don't want the mess, an axle rebuilder can do the clean and repack for pretty low cost, there is nothing Ferrari specific about them that a normal rebuilder can't handle.

    The 3.2, maybe other models, CV joints are indeed shared with Porsche 930, as are the boots, but the Ferrari boots are not much if at all more expensive. The original boot retaining clips are pretty easy to work with (they are available but not advertised), you don't need the special crimp tool that modern boot clips use.

    I too looked at whether a rebuilt unit could just be purchased and avoid the messy part and just bolt on bolt off. Could not find anything, and the project I noted was actually much easier than I expected.

    Hope that helps, having just done the job successfully I am feeling pretty good about it!
     
  10. ferrariowner

    ferrariowner Formula 3

    Feb 21, 2014
    1,155
    Mansfield, TX
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    Ron
    NAPA sells a nice CV crimp tool and the bands. Not sure the bands are exactly original, but they work perfectly and have a professional fit.
     
  11. GordonC

    GordonC F1 Rookie
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    Aug 28, 2005
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    Thanks Jeff, aside from feeling lazy today and thus looking for a shortcut, I was more curious about how much of the assembly was common.

    Thanks to every one for their input! It certainly looks like a service kit and a few hours effort is usually sufficient, typically no need to replace the CVs. Much cheaper, if messier, than buying an entire axle assembly. ;)
     
  12. vespam5

    vespam5 Rookie

    Jan 22, 2017
    25
    I'd like to know if the Porsche 911 or 930 CV assemblies are a direct replacement, can anyone answer this?
     
  13. craiggo

    craiggo Formula Junior
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    Nov 9, 2012
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    Craig
    I have 4 boots (brand new) you can have? I somehow ended up with 8. If interested, PM me and I'll snap a pic of the part number for you.

    Craig
     
  14. FrannyB

    FrannyB Formula Junior

    May 20, 2014
    293
    Arvada, CO
    I replaced all four booties on our '85 Euro with 3.2 Carrera boot kits from Pelican parts. They sell a complete kit with the clips and grease. A set of four is less than $50. The 3.2 Carrera has an integrated axle on the outer CV joint, but I believe the SCs have a separate axle like our 308s (I also did our '86 3.2 carrera, but have not worked on an SC (1978-1983). It would be those assemblies you are looking for. As for the boots, I don't think there is a difference between the 3.2 Carrera and the 930 and they fit just fine for me.

    The job is straightforward, but messy. That black grease will turn you into a chocolate smurf. As noted already, by far the most difficult part is getting the bolts loose and off in one piece. I had to cut a couple off and source new nuts and bolts. Make sure you buy a good quality hex bit (you want zero slop) and a larger break-over bar to knock them loose. Hose them down with PT Blaster for several nights before beginning work. That will save you hours under the car. After you clean, re-grease and boot the joints, remember to torque them correctly as it is the friction against the plates that holds them and not the shear strength of the bolts. Also, go back and re-torque them about a week or so after and after a little driving to be sure they haven't loosened up. Too many stories on the Porsche forums of bolts shearing pulling away at an intersection.

    I can't answer the direct question as to if the SC shafts are the same length as the 3.2, (I suppose you could order a a set and return them if not) but that is the easiest part of the job so if they aren't making noise, they are probably just fine. If you look closely at them they say "Made in W. Germany" :)

    Franny
     
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  15. vespam5

    vespam5 Rookie

    Jan 22, 2017
    25
    Thanks for the input guys, I know the job is straightforward but I'm still wondering of the entire assemblies are straight swaps for 911 units. I have a service shop and have access to brand new and rebuilt Porsche assemblies, if they are straight swaps with 308 it'd be good to know.

    Also are 308 and Dino 308GT4 CV's the same?
     
  16. BLACK HORSE

    BLACK HORSE Formula 3
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    Feb 11, 2004
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    Here you go... I found this on youtube :)

     

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