It should be 32 are you sure it's getting over the threads on the driveshaft and it's not too shallow ?

This one is def 32mm.....

Is that the rear? Should the front be the same?

Doog.

It is the rear but they should be the same yes.

Every front wheel driveshaft I have ever removed has been 32mm from Mk1 astra to present.

If its the same as a punto hgt then its a 36mm cup, make sure you get a tough one (black coloured one) as they take more abuse.

The cup or the driveshaft nut? Just looked at eper and they are different part no's front to back?.

Thanks to both.

I'm hopefully collecting a new nut from Fiat today (along with Clutch cable, CV boots, CV oil seal, etc) so I'll take nut to Halfrauds and get the right socket. 36mm would seem to be right. 34mm doesn't fit. Don't think I've got any choice but to use a ChroMoly (black) impact socket as standard Chrome Vanadium 1/2" drive only goes up to 32mm.

Getting there....slowly....

More news to follow....

doog.

Driveshaft nut in the hub

Righty ho.

Some progress made today. First of all, having put both suspension struts back in, the RH wheel back on and lowered that side of the car, I got a neighbour to push the brake pedal like his life depended on it and undid the LH hub nut (having first pushed out the staking on the nut) using my new 36mm socket:



Next I put the RH side of the car back on an axle stand and removed the strut again. I then removed the LH strut and knocked the driveshaft out of the hub with a wooden drift and rubber mallet.

Here is the driveshaft relaxing on the bench...



Note the characteristic rustiness of the hub end splines and the ABS toothed wheel. Not sure if I should just bite the bullet and replace this too.

Took the brass cap off the CV joint:



To the others who have done this - does this look correct - i.e. should there be grease in the cap and on this end of the bearing. I'm still confused by this cos I cannot see what stops grease coming out of the little hole in the brass cap. If you open up the photo you can clearly see the hole. Any ideas?

The other question that is bothering me tonight is - having bought new boots and retaining clips, does anyone know what tool I use to crimp the clips up?



Today I also took out the fan pack, drained the coolant and removed the rad, then applied 2 coats of hammerite to the metal air scoop from under the rad. Here's a before pic for all you rust lovers out there...


I'll post an "after" pic when the paint is dry.

One other question for tonight - does anyone know where I can get a clutch cable from? It's on back order at the Fiat dealer - apparently they need one shipping from Italy

Thanks to all for continued support.

Doog.

I could give motoquip & tms a call Mon for a price if that's any good.

Nice job BTW helps everyone learn esp as I don't know the Barchetta as well as my other cars.

The only thing that springs to mind re the hole is heat expansion as it's sealed the other side of the gasket as well so wouldn't drain out or shouldn't?

Re the clips I use the tool you can just see to the left for them, but don't press too hard or they just cut the ends off

Looks exactly the same as mine, if your going to relace the cv joint/boots you'll need some external circlip pliers. You'll have to clean all the grease off the end of the shaft to see the circlip. It then just slides off and you can change both boots.

Was your socket a very snug fit when you tried to get the nut off?

Thanks, Dangil. I have removed the circlip - here's a pic of it in situ for others benefit:



Socket was a snug fit onto the hubnut. I guess it needs to be when you are putting 280Nm onto it. Also snug fit into the hole in the hub.

Alan- if you don't mind a call to Motoquip (presumably for clutch cable) that would be great. I'm a bit lost as to who to try - not sure if the B is well represented in motor factors catalogues.

Still confused about the hole. Unless there is supposed to be a gasket between the CV jt brass cap and the gearbox output flange - there was nothing when I took it off. or maybe I use some instant gasket? I'll maybe know more when I undo the Rh driveshaft where there is no evidence of leak.

Cheers
Doog.

Hi
This looks the same as mine, apart from the CV grease looks a bit past its best.
The correct tool for removing the clip can be purchased from Halfords or online.

Hose clip pliers: (see below)



http://nws-solingen.de/English/products/hoseclippliersdropforged.html

Doc and/or Dangil - how much grease do I put into the joint/boot? Do I just pack the bearing or should I fill the boot as well?

Thanks
Doog.

Don't completely pack it out, otherwise it will seep out

Just fill the joint.

doogal said:

One other question for tonight - does anyone know where I can get a clutch cable from? It's on back order at the Fiat dealer - apparently they need one shipping from Italy

Click to expand...

I spoke to all my contacts in several motor factors and they all say the same, it's not available, neither is one for a LHD Punto HGT, the good news is that Fiat is relatively cheap at £19 inc vat.

If you have any problems they state that they can get one, I had a gear knob & surround on back order from wed last week and it's in tomorrow am, so wouldn't worry.

Sorry about this, but I had to wait 3 months for a new clutch cable. Ordered from both the local Fiat dealer and DTR.

I have over ten parts on back order !!! This parts delay is getting out of hand!!! Its been months and months and all I get is, sorry I dont have a delivery date for you.

Battery tray, over four months now !!
Footwell speaker cover plastic part, over four months now!!
Hand brake cover, over three months !!!

Only part I could pick up tomorrow would be the brake line clips.

Not one singe delivery date for anything !!!
The car only went out of production what, a year ago now. !!??!!

:bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

I apologise for getting the gear knob so quick

Thanks for enquiring, Alan. Apparently the cable should be in the Fiat dealer on 18 Jan. Fingers (and toes) crossed. Parts guy at Fiat seemed confident that it will arrive!!! If it doesn't then I am royally stuffed

Tonight I have cleaned all the old grease out of the CV joint and rebuilt it with new Lith Moly grease. It's now sat in a sealed plastic container awaiting re-assembly.



Driveshaft will go back together with new boots once I get a new big clip for the outer boot.

More updates soon.

Doog. - yes, still smiling.... just...