Genuine Mazda MX-5 Miata CV Joint

Mazda MX-5 Miata CV Joint Parts and Q&A

• Inner CV Joint
  MA04-22-520A
  Q: What factors should you consider when overhauling the CV Joint and CV Joint Boot on Mazda MX-5 Miata?

  A:

  In case the CV joints need an overhaul, which is usually as a result of torn boots, it is advisable to look at all the options available before getting into the job. Complete rebuilt CV joints may be bought on exchange basis saving a lot of time and effort. No matter the procedure used, check the prices and availability of components before dismantling the car. The first step involves taking off the CV joint and holding it in a vise with jaws lined with wood to avoid breaking. Inspect the CV joint in terms of excess radial movement and scrutinize it in the softness of its movement at its entire extent of movement. In case of torn boot, dismantle the joint, wash up the parts and check whether the boot has been damaged due to loss of lubrication or contamination. Unscrew the boot clamp pins by pushing the clamps off the boot and pushing the boot back over the Axle Shaft and removing the wire ring ball retainer off the outer race. Identify the outer race to the axleshaft and remove it off the inner bearing assembly making sure to mark the inner race, cage and axleshaft end to be properly fitted back. Unscrew the snap-ring on the axle shaft groove, and push the inner bearing assembly off. Taking the balls carefully out of the cage so as to leave them undamaged, place the inner race lands in position with the windows to take them out of the cage. Wipe everything with solvent, checking it to see whether there is wear and damage, and it is normal to have shiny spots. To reassemble simply pop the inner race in the cage, pop the balls in the cage windows and tape the axle shaft splines to ensure the boot remains intact during installation. Install the inner race and cage assembly on the axeshaft making sure the larger diameter is facing the end and then install the snap-ring and stuff the outer race and boot with the appropriate CV joint grease. Put the outer race over the inner one and position the marks and install the wire ring retainer. Cleanse the excess grease off the groove of the axle boot, fix one end of the boot and turn the length of the CV joint as necessary. Bring the pressure in the boot even with a dull screwdriver, place the boot clamps and subsequently fit the CV joint. In the case of the outer CV joint, take out the inner CV joint of the axleshaft, disassemble it, take out the outer CV joint boot clamps, and slip off the boot. Clean the inside and outside CV joints using a solvent and blow them dry using compressed air. Bend the outer CV joint housing to view the bearings, inner race and cage; replace the CV joint in case any damage is detected. Install the new outer boot by sliding it onto the CV joint with a strip of vinyl tape around the splines to avoid damaging the boot, and pouring in the recommended amount of grease into the outer joint and boot before sliding the boot onto the CV joint and affixing new clamps. Last but not least, wash and re-fit the inner CV joint and finally, fit the CV joint.