Hello Guys,
I have read all posts here but I am still unclear. I have disconnected everything on my 4x4 sapph and cannot see how to get the joint released from the drive shaft (drivers side). I have been told that I have to remove the complete drive shaft from gearbox but surely not? I have seen a video (although not for an RS) where a guy has done what I have done and then simply released a circlip on the inner cv joint to remove it from the drive shaft. I dont really want to go down the cone direction.
Any help greatly appreciated.

 

Removed the complete shaft......might be another option but thats how mine was replaced.

 

Thanks for reply. But what happens next? Do I proceed to remove the outer CV from drive shaft and, if do, how? Is it that the removal of the CV joint is easier with shaft removed from car?

 

I think theres a snap ring holding the shaft into box....remove the cover to release to shaft completely.

Theres another clip to release the joint from the shaft....i think...been a while...

The job went better having the shaft out and upright when replacing the joint end once the new boots had been slid on.

The cut and glue type universal boots never last long....take your time and do it properly.

 

Understood, thanks. So, I will drain the oil from the transmission box, remove bottom cover and snap ring. Then, remove drive shaft and then remove circlip from the inner side of the outer CV joint. Slide off the joint from the drive shaft, fit new boot and reinstall. Does that sound right?
Your help appreciated, thanks.

 

A lot of times the circlip on the inside of the diff is no longer there and you can simply pull the drive shaft out of the diff.

 

Thanks Marc. Just started the job a few minutes ago. I am draining oil and taking out drive shaft. Si far, I cannot pull the CV joint away so I'm guessing the circlip is there still.
Do you know is there a particular type of seal compound for the bottom plate on the transmission housing?

 

Mine was as above, no clip in place so didnt have to drain the unit of fluid.

 

My pride and joy!!
What I ended up doing was fit the CV boot using the cone method. I checked the boot supplied with it compared to that which I had bought from GGR and it felt of equal quality and it fitted quite easily. I will monitor it though to ensure that there are no tears or leaks.

 

Try and stick to the correct terminology as it will avoid wrong advice...it is the front diff cover that you are taking off (not transmission cover or transfer case)
The circlip is in the inside of the front diff.
To seal it up I just used Halfords instant gasket sealer in a tube that self propels itself out.
If you are going big power it is worth adding in the brackets that support the front diff from Burtons as they bolt to the block and then add the strengthening plate as it helps protect the diff.
I bought a good kit which is the metal straps for sealing the boots to the car, it is like a metal cable tie and came with special cutters which tighten the strap, I can post you a few of the straps if you want, you could tighten and cut them with pliers.

 

Thanks and you are quite correct; it is the front differential cover as you say. Sorry about that, I should have been more clear. As I mentioned above I ended up putting an "over the CV joint" boot on. Im not sure how good this will be and I will check it often. I just didnt like to strip off parts of the car to change it. I know that, eventually, I may have to do this anyway.....

 

Its really easy to remove the outer cv when the shaft is off the car
pull back the gator and slide it down the shaft
clean out the grease from around the shaft where its goes into the cv
you will then see an inner circlip with to tangs sticking up with external circlip pliars force them apart whilst pulling on the shaft it will then pop out
to refit just push it i until it snaps in place

Steve

 

Many thanks Steve, appreciate the heads up. Yeah, seems this is the best way to change it.