Subject: Re: <VV> squeak and chirp

[N. Joseph Potts]

Since my hands are usually busy removing or installing the u-joint, I have
found the best way to tug on the half-shaft is with my feet applied to the
wheel in question. You might have removed the wheels just to gain light and
working room. If so, just put it back on with three nuts that need only be
finger tight. The wheel is a lever for you. You might find it a little
easier with the parking brake applied.

Joe Potts
Miami, Florida USA
1966 Corsa coupe 140hp 4-speed with A/C

Steve, you already have some very good advise on how to remove an axle from
the car but I thought I'd tell you how I do it. I don't have anyone handy to
pull the top of the wheel out for me so I use this method:

The outer strut rod bolt has an eccentric with marks on it, take note which
mark on this eccentric lines up with the index mark on the torque arm, you
could mark it with a small center punch indentation. Loosen the nut on the
strut rod bolt and rotate the eccentric with a 3/4" socket and flex handle
in
the direction that swings the torque arm away from the center of the car.
This
will result in letting the axle have more end space. If you position the
u/joint caps in a horizontal position before turning the strut rod bolt it
is
possible to remove the axle without having the needle bearings falling all
over the floor. The u/joint may cant sideways by pivoting on one of the cups
but you can use a large screw driver and release the cup, swing the free end
of the axle clear and then release the remaining u/joint. When reassembling,
place one end of the axle in the u/joint flange, align up the other end of
the
axle with the opposite flange and rotate the outer strut rod bolt back to
your
previously marked index, then install the u/joint cap retainer straps.
Tighten the strut rod bolt to around 90 foot pounds. (I'm guessing on this
torque, Steve, so check your manual). If you have to replace the u/joints
and
if you use joints that have grease zerks, install them with the zerk
pointing
toward the center of the axle and with both zerks indexed on one side of the
axle, makes the job of lubing later much easier.