Tips for re-fitting driveshafts

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smurfbus
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Tips for re-fitting driveshafts

Post by smurfbus »

Hi,

As part of MOT prep I have needed to remove my nearside driveshaft and replace the CV boots. I'm finding it quite challenging to re-mount outer driveshaft! It's all greased up with new bolts and washers, but I'm finding the combination of marrying it up and driving the bolts home very challenging, seems like I need three hands to keep everything in place and be able to tighten the bolts.

Any tips greatly appreciated. The van is sitting on axle stands and the wheel assembly is probably about 20cm lower than the gearbox.

Cheers
1985 1.9DG (78ps) with a hightop

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ZsZ
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Re: Tips for re-fitting driveshafts

Post by ZsZ »

smurfbus wrote:Hi,

As part of MOT prep I have needed to remove my nearside driveshaft and replace the CV boots. I'm finding it quite challenging to re-mount outer driveshaft! It's all greased up with new bolts and washers, but I'm finding the combination of marrying it up and driving the bolts home very challenging, seems like I need three hands to keep everything in place and be able to tighten the bolts.

Any tips greatly appreciated. The van is sitting on axle stands and the wheel assembly is probably about 20cm lower than the gearbox.

Cheers

use a long screwdriver or M8 threaded rod to locate one of the holes. That thelps with aligning the others with one hand. Use a long hex or triple square driver bit (depends on the actual bolt). A bit of paper or rag on the tip of the driver can help to keep the bolt from dropping down and you can insert the bolts with the driver.
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Oldiebut goodie
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Re: Tips for re-fitting driveshafts

Post by Oldiebut goodie »

As above but use two screwdrivers in adjacent holes then you can adjust the position easily with one hand on both drivers. Plasticene/modelling clay is handy for keeping bolts in position on a bit whilst you get it started.
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RogerT
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Re: Tips for re-fitting driveshafts

Post by RogerT »

Put a jack or blocks under the swing arm so as to reduce the drive shaft angle?
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sarran1955
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Re: Tips for re-fitting driveshafts

Post by sarran1955 »

Hello,

This might help....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meTNBph3rUU" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Have fun,

Cordialement

:ok
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itchyfeet
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Re: Tips for re-fitting driveshafts

Post by itchyfeet »

RogerT wrote:Put a jack or blocks under the swing arm so as to reduce the drive shaft angle?


This^^^^ never had a problem myself but I usually jack from the swing arm.
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smurfbus
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Re: Tips for re-fitting driveshafts

Post by smurfbus »

ZsZ wrote:
smurfbus wrote:Hi,

As part of MOT prep I have needed to remove my nearside driveshaft and replace the CV boots. I'm finding it quite challenging to re-mount outer driveshaft! It's all greased up with new bolts and washers, but I'm finding the combination of marrying it up and driving the bolts home very challenging, seems like I need three hands to keep everything in place and be able to tighten the bolts.

Any tips greatly appreciated. The van is sitting on axle stands and the wheel assembly is probably about 20cm lower than the gearbox.

Cheers

use a long screwdriver or M8 threaded rod to locate one of the holes. That thelps with aligning the others with one hand. Use a long hex or triple square driver bit (depends on the actual bolt). A bit of paper or rag on the tip of the driver can help to keep the bolt from dropping down and you can insert the bolts with the driver.

Thanks very much for this - makes a lot of sense.
1985 1.9DG (78ps) with a hightop

smurfbus
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Re: Tips for re-fitting driveshafts

Post by smurfbus »

Oldiebut goodie wrote:As above but use two screwdrivers in adjacent holes then you can adjust the position easily with one hand on both drivers. Plasticene/modelling clay is handy for keeping bolts in position on a bit whilst you get it started.

Plasticene is a really good shout thanks.
1985 1.9DG (78ps) with a hightop

smurfbus
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Re: Tips for re-fitting driveshafts

Post by smurfbus »

Thanks all for your replies, extremely helpful.

A job for the week ahead, so I'll let you know how I get on. Then I should be MOT ready for the week after, if there is anyone around to do it for me.....
1985 1.9DG (78ps) with a hightop

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