Removing a CV joint

[Noisey]

I have to remove the left CV joint again tonight to replace another torn boot. Last time I did this I removed the shaft and didn't take much notice of whether or not I will leak oil if I dropped the car back to level without putting the shaft back in.

Can the shaft be left out and the car be driven without the LEFT CV joint??

I only ask this 'cause I've got a feel'n the CV may be "knackered" and in need of some TLC.

[Bitsamissin]

Blair, the only problem I can see is oil leakage when moving.
The left hand CV will spin the front diff as it is permanently connected to the wheel and front diff. Having it out and driving should not cause it to spin and stir up the oil enough to slop out of the open hole.
I'd take it for a spin and look for oil leakage first.

[DougH]

Blair, the only problem I can see is oil leakage when moving.
The left hand CV will spin the front diff as it is permanently connected to the wheel and front diff. Having it out and driving should not cause it to spin and stir up the oil enough to slop out of the open hole.
I'd take it for a spin and look for oil leakage first.

Actually if he is taking the passanger side out, he should be just fine for driving.

Your driver side has that central axle disconnect, so his diff shouldnt be moving at all with the left cv removed.

Just stuff a rag in the hole in the diff to make sure you dont get any road gunk in it.

[Noisey]

Thanks for that guys.

From what I can remember there was no seal or anything to prevent fluid loss so I believe I should be OK.

I need to replace the wheel bearing on that side anyway so I will do it all in one hit sometime next week.

I think I need to stay out of the mud and deep puddle for a bit as I seem to be chew'n through bearings and other components.

[DougH]

Thanks for that guys.
I think I need to stay out of the mud and deep puddle for a bit as I seem to be chew'n through bearings and other components.

I wouldnt drive it more than you have too, at least you wont have to worry about your wheel bearings when your done. If you werent replacing it you would have to repack it real well because you will probally get some crap in the grease without the cv in there.