Disassembling the drive shaft (VW Golf 1)

To replace the boots or joints, the removed half-shaft must be disassembled. The difficulty is that the joint on the gearbox side is pressed in. If you cannot disassemble it using our method, then it must be removed in a workshop and a new joint pressed in. Also, note that since August 1980, in parallel with the previous design, a slightly different fastening of the outer joint has been used.

External hinge: with the cover still intact, unbend the large bandage and remove the protective shell.

If the cover is damaged, it should be removed completely.

In the hinge of the previous design (figure 1 below) release the safety ring: simultaneously hit the wheel trunnion.



When assembling, insert the safety washer, spacer ring and disc spring in the above sequence.

Place the joint on the shaft until the inserted safety ring enters the groove of the shaft.

If the hinge is of a new design (see figure 2), it is disconnected from the shaft by means of a powerful blow with a plastic hammer.

When assembling, pay attention to the fit of the disc spring and spacer ring (see picture).





Put on the cover.

Insert a new retaining ring into the groove of the axle shaft: then hit the joint with a plastic hammer until the retaining ring is fixed.

90 g of MoS2 grease is injected into the new hinge under the cover; a joint that has already been used is additionally lubricated.

Securely fasten the cuff clamps.

Inner hinge: Tap gently with a hammer and punch to separate the leaf guard cover (with a cuff reinforced there) from the cardan. The punch must be placed in several places around the joint.

At the end of the shaft, use two screwdrivers to remove the hinge retaining ring from the groove.

Disconnect the joint from the shaft by hitting it with a hammer.

Disconnect the disc spring from the axle shaft.

Bend the cover clamp or cut it with a cutting tool; remove the cover.

(The original article is available at: www.VWManual.ru)

Install the new cover. Securely fasten the clamp bracket.

Install the disc spring so that its larger diameter is directed towards the hinge.

Tap the hinge to ensure it seats in the correct location; install the safety ring.


On each side, add 45 g of MoS2 grease under the cover into the new hinge. If the hinge has already been used, lubricate it additionally.

Put on the cuff safety cover; if necessary, tap it lightly with a hammer.

Note: 4-notch axle shafts manufactured before January 1980 from solid material have a disc spring without internal teeth. Newer designs (designation: 5 notches at both ends) there is a disc spring with internal teeth.