albeeG

Gentlemen,
Have any of you fellas changed a front outer CV joint boot on a 2002 A8 and if so is there a workaround for the "special tool" needed to press off the CV joint? Seems to me the procedure is fairly straight forward except fot the need for BILLIONS of special tools.
I like doing some of my own work but the need for all these tools is getting a bit out of hand. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
AlbeeG

TOMAS7

<ul><li><a href="http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/susp_whls_brake_steer.html">http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/susp_whls_brake_steer.html</a</li></ul>

albeeG

Thanks Tomas,
The article still does not explain how to remove the joint from the axle. I was just wondering if anyone has found a way to do this without the Audi special tool.
AG

Always Overcharged

just was not worth getting dirty for<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a8/msgs/160765.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/a8/msgs/160765.phtml</a</li></ul>

JimR

Which operation are you specifically asking about? Getting the outer joint out of the hub, or getting the outer joint off of the shaft? Or something else?

Always Overcharged

Thats was funny Jim -I posted at the same time with your helpful info from my request

gondar

I don't know what the special tool is.

Assume you mean the outer joint. If there are no external circlips or locks to remove...

1. Clamp the halfshaft in a GOOD vise and use a big brass drift (a foot long) on the inner race to drive it off. Use a big hammer. Or possibly an air hammer on brass. I have an old brass padlock I use. Sometimes trying several spots helps (rotate half shaft in vise.) I ground a half moon in my drift to allow more contact. My drift is 3/4" square.
Another trick is to put a .45 ACP empty or similar on the end of a steel drift.

or,

Use the big allen axle bolt (you took out)to force it off. Keep the joint straight and screw it in hard. . I don't like this method as it loads the ***** but I have used it with an air wrench with no ill effects.

I don't see any reason you could not preload the bolt 20-30 ft /lbs and then beat on the race also.

You are trying to overcome a hidden internal wire circlip, I think.

I have never failed to remove a joint (have done many) but have had to beat the @#$%^ of of some. Full shots with a 32 oz hammer.

Perpetual Novice

After puling the axle out of the car, I put the half shaft in a vise and replaced the axle bolt and tightened it down using an imact wrench. it popped the joint right off.

albeeG

Jim,
I am trying to remove the CV from the axle to replace the boot.
Thanks to Novice And Gondar for suggestions. I get the procedure now. Love to workaround the damned "special" tools when at all possible. Glad to see others are adventurous.
Thanks All,
AG

gondar

with a needle file, 240 grit paper, etc. (clean off well) and lube with grease before re-assembly. Mark the exact location of the joint on the HS and put it back there, at least I do.