How to check your CVs and driveshafts?

[eirianprice]

I'm currently in the process of replacing the gearbox on my 172 and since I've already taken everything off the front of the car it's a good time to replace faulty and worm out parts like shocks and springs etc.

But how do I check the CVs and shafts?

 

[eirianprice]

Is it just a visual inspection?

 

[Advikaz]

Easiest thing would be to check the seals visually. Give the shaft a shake etc. Check the boots over.

 

[MG cup]

Visually as above first then

CV's:

Hold the cv in one hand and the main shaft in the other. Rotate them against each other and feel for any back lash, there should be very little. Then push the cv in and out along the length again there should be no play.

O/S drive side:

Check the 3 roller bearings (yoke) move freely and that no rollers are missing.

N/S drive side.

Check condition of the splines where it enters the gearbox as these are known to wear out on clio's. By using the above method for CV's check the sliding joint by rotating against each other for play, there should be none but there will be play along the length on that joint. You could even pop the clip and check the condition of the 3 roller bearings (yoke) again within the sliding joint.