cv question

[digglesworth]

Are the cv shafts in the H3 the same on both sides or is there a dedicated right or left? And why the heck do the 06 shafts seem shorter. They look like they aren't pushed all the way into the diff....

 

[06 H3]

H3 shafts are the same for the left and right.

not sure on the length but I assume they are the same.

 

[alrock]

Newer shafts are a few cm longer than older ones, but I believe that difference is in the outer half. I think this was first noticed with the Alphas but I've also seen it in aftermarket parts

It's possible your CV Jason slipped out a bit so if you see shiny exposed metal between the CV and the seal you should just grab it and push it in.

 

[digglesworth]

Sweet. I havent done my seals yet so I'll make sure to snap them all the way back in when I pull everything apart. I don't have a need for new cv shafts (yet) so I'm not gonna replace the shafts. Just curious cause I've seen pics where the cv looks like it's not pushed in all the way. Thanks guys...

 

[alrock]

I assume it looked like this?

 

[digglesworth]

Yeah. That's exactly what I'm talking about....

 

[digglesworth]

It looks like the seal would be much better if there was no gap in there...

 

[alrock]

That's the result of the c-clip that holds the axle in the diff not quite doing it's job at that moment - just the right amount of wrong at the right time pulled the axle out a wee bit. That's not a normal or frequent situation. The seal is still working against the smooth axle.

 

[digglesworth]

So could you replace the c-clip or is that shaft served its purpose and get replaced?

 

[alrock]

No need to replace either the clip or the axle shaft as nothing is broken. It's just a wee bit out of place. That would be like replacing your turn signal stalk because somebody bumped it and your left turn indicator is blinking. Put it back in place and you are good to go.

 

[digglesworth]

I see... just trying to learn what's normal and what's not... it's a constant process... thanks for your help.

 

[Reloader]

One thing to keep in mind on these CV axles seals is that this set up is prone to scoring up the seal surface on the inner stub itself. The diff seals are exposed to dirt and grit and that gets in there and ruins the surface the seal has to run on. Just about everyone of these I've taken apart has had a damaged seal surface. both my front axles were replaced under warranty once for leakage and Gm replaced both the seals and axle assemblies. Both axles had severe scoring.
If yours are scored , you can try and polish the surface with some 180 grit emory clothe. Just before Moab , I changed one of my CV axles due to a leaking boot issue and it was scored pretty bad. I polished it and got most of it out and will use it as a trail spare but it may or may not seal properly.
If you elect to replace axles get new ones as remans may have been polished too much to restore the seal surface and may actually be undersize and not be able to let the new seal have enough clamp pressure to seal properly and fail prematurely.

 

[digglesworth]

Awesome... I'll make sure to look at the shaft when I replace the seals. The drivers side is leaking but I'm gonna change both. For the experience and for piece of mind. Where's a good place to get some if need be? I've seen something about empi replacements for $75/each.

 

[Reloader]

I got my Empi axle part no. 80-1525 from Rock Auto. It was $85 plus shipping a couple years ago but I think they are cheaper now. My find better price on Amazon. The Cardone Select new cvs appear to be pretty good quality also and may be cheaper.

 

[digglesworth]

Great. Thanks.