CV joints

[Jim]

I suspect the inside CV joint on the left drive shaft of my 1.4 Bravo is on the way out.
Does anyone have any practical experience of driveshaft removal/things to beware of/forget it and leave it to a garage??
The manual I have makes the whole procedure sound so simple - which I'm sure it isn't!!
Jim

 

[Deckchair]

Driveshafts

Check it is the CV joint by driving whilst turning a tight full lock. If you get a quite loud clicking noise then it's the CV joint on the outside of the turn. It's pretty straightforward job but a very long bar is needed to slacken off the wheel hub nut as it's very tight at 177ftlbs. I use a scaffold pole on the end of 1/2" drive socket and you'll need someone keeping their foot heavily on the brakes as the handbrake alone won't be enough.Obviously make sure you do this with the car and tyres still on the ground! You'll need a balljoint separator and it's best to put on a new hub nut. The wheel bearing inner race sometimes sticks on the CV shaft which means replacing the wheel bearings too.Change the CV jopint gaiter as a matter of course. Messy job. Slight variations with 1.2,1.4 and 1.6 shaft disassembly.Read the manual. 2 hrs and 2 cups of tea!