Repair of the drive shaft (VW Golf 3)

Replacing the inner constant velocity joint

Secure the drive shaft in a vice.

Using pliers, remove the retaining spring ring at the end of the inner constant velocity joint.



Using a mandrel, carefully tap the protective cover off the constant velocity joint. To avoid damaging the edges of the cover, apply the mandrel at different places around the circumference.



The shaft is installed under a press and then pressed through a constant velocity joint.

The spring washer is removed from the shaft downwards. In doing so, pay attention to the installation principle, as this washer is convex. The larger diameter is adjacent to the constant velocity joint. In addition, it is established that it has an internal toothed connection.



The axle shaft should be thoroughly cleaned before installing a new CV joint.

The spring washer is placed on the shaft in such a way that the convexity is directed upwards, that is, the larger diameter should be adjacent to the constant velocity joint and so that the internal gear engagement falls on the gear engagement of the shaft.

The joint is pressed onto the shaft, and the shaft must be supported from below.

A new spring retaining ring is inserted into the groove. If required, it is pressed in well using water pump pliers.

The hinge is covered with G.6.3 grease (120 grams). Accordingly, each side of the hinge is covered with half portions of this grease and a cuff is put on the drive shaft. It is necessary to use this type of grease so that the hinge can work smoothly.



Before putting on the cuff, the size 17 mm is marked on the left shaft. However, this marking should not be scratched on the paint of the shaft, but should be marked by gluing adhesive tape. After this, the cuff is put on.



When applying the right shaft cuff, it is pressed together with the ventilation chamber (1) to the larger diameter of the pipe, so that the ventilation hole (2) remains free.

External constant velocity joint

Like the inner constant velocity joint, the outer joint can only be replaced with a new one as a set.

As already mentioned, the outer constant velocity joint of the powerful models differs from the joint of other Golf models. The diameter of the outer joint is 90 mm (81 mm for other models). Please take this into account when ordering a constant velocity joint.

Removal the constant velocity joint

Remove the fastening clamps at both ends of the rubber seal and press the seal onto the shaft along the constant velocity joint.

Clean the inside surface of the constant velocity joint and locate the snap ring on the inside surface.



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Secure the shaft in a vice using shims and tap the CV joint off the shaft using an aluminum or brass hammer until it can be removed.

Installing a constant velocity joint.

The rubber cuff is placed on the shaft and moved along it.

Before this installation, half portions of 110 grams of the above grease are pressed into each wall of the constant velocity joint. Only the specified grease should be reused.



The internal gear spring washer is pushed onto the shaft so that the bulge is adjacent to the constant velocity joint, and the adjusting washer is installed on top. The figure shows the constant velocity joint in the state of both parts with the constant velocity joint assembled.

Install a new snap ring onto the shaft, clamp the shaft in a vice, and "tap" the CV joint onto the shaft with a brass or aluminum hammer until the snap ring can be seated on the rib in the groove on the inside of the CV joint.

Pull the rubber cuff over the constant velocity joint and secure it with clamps. Before closing the cuff, it should be slightly compressed to squeeze out the air that has entered. If such "dented" places can be found after such assembly, then the cuff is again loosened at the place with a small diameter and carefully lifted with a screwdriver so that air can enter there and the intake pressure that has built up there can equalize.