Which CV Axles?

[zhloea]

The snap rings are actually pretty interesting, IMO. Dumb design considering a small ring can easily be erroneously re-used and lead to catastrophic failure without warning, but interesting from an engineering standpoint. That snap ring gap variance represents the culmination of a few parts within the front hub assembly. It's essentially the variation in combined tolerances of the CV, hub flange, hub, hub gasket. All those parts vary in thickness to some degree and then the gasket varies in squish, as well. The CV can't be allowed to move axially in and out of the hub flange, because it will begin to saw away at the splines of both the CV and the hub flange. To allow for as little movement in and out of that hub flange on any variety of components, the CV is held in place by a variable thickness snap ring. The varying thickness accounts for the variation in those parts when assembled.

Neat idea, horrible execution from the perspective of "how likely is shadetree mechanic XYZ to assemble a ticking time bomb."

The snap rings also experience plastic deformation on a regular basis upon removal if the right tool is not used, but it's not obvious to the mechanic. If they reassemble with a yielded snap ring, it's like that ring is working its way off over time and catastrophic failure is then imminent.

Wow, I feel more weekend auto technician after learning from this thread~

 

[turbotoyz]

One interesting thing, I called my local Toyota this morning, they said they have "Toyota remanufactured CV axle" on 176usd, I ask them "if that reman one made with all OEM parts?" they said the only thing they can guarantee is it is remanufactured by Toyota, not sure the parts.

My local dealer mentioned the same thing to me as well

 

[zhloea]

I did order a Cardone HD couple days ago before I change my mind with OEM, and it comes in today, have to say it looks pretty good and sturdy~ but as a regular office people (who "only" cost two weekends for a valve cover gasket change ), I finally go with OEM even though maybe just feeling safe~

 

[zhloea]

Just get the pack from CruiserOutfitters. It has the most common ones needed.

View attachment 2608601

Well, since I need to replace it this weekend then the shipment will not make it, I bought one of each from dealer...

dealer

 

[ramangain]

Well, since I need to replace it this weekend then the shipment will not make it, I bought one of each from dealer...
View attachment 2609896dealer

Attaboy!

 

[zhloea]

Attaboy!

Just want to say this blend ass snap ring thing is pretty annoying...

 

[flintknapper]

Just want to say this blend ass snap ring thing is pretty annoying...

Meh....so is my Wife....but I have to live with both. Just get after it.

 

[ramangain]

Just want to say this blend ass snap ring thing is pretty annoying...

This is not registering with me as you probably intend, care to share an analogy?

 

[zhloea]

This is not registering with me as you probably intend, care to share an analogy?

Did not really understand your reply, not a native speaker, sorry...I mean, per side, we only need one snap ring but we have to order 6 because the size depends...and have to have a blade feeler gauge...for a ring...too much effort

​

 

[ramangain]

Ahhh gotcha. I feel your pain brotha. Draw the face of a Mr. T engineer on a balloon and use it for dart practice if it would help!

 

[suprarx7nut]

Did not really understand your reply, not a native speaker, sorry...I mean, per side, we only need one snap ring but we have to order 6 because the size depends...and have to have a blade feeler gauge...for a ring...too much effort

​

Totally agree with you! It's an annoying setup for sure.

 

[Beto Cruiser]

Wow, I feel more weekend auto technician after learning from this thread~

The snap rings are actually pretty interesting, IMO. Dumb design considering a small ring can easily be erroneously re-used and lead to catastrophic failure without warning, but interesting from an engineering standpoint. That snap ring gap variance represents the culmination of a few parts within the front hub assembly. It's essentially the variation in combined tolerances of the CV, hub flange, hub, hub gasket. All those parts vary in thickness to some degree and then the gasket varies in squish, as well. The CV can't be allowed to move axially in and out of the hub flange, because it will begin to saw away at the splines of both the CV and the hub flange. To allow for as little movement in and out of that hub flange on any variety of components, the CV is held in place by a variable thickness snap ring. The varying thickness accounts for the variation in those parts when assembled.

Neat idea, horrible execution from the perspective of "how likely is shadetree mechanic XYZ to assemble a ticking time bomb."

The snap rings also experience plastic deformation on a regular basis upon removal if the right tool is not used, but it's not obvious to the mechanic. If they reassemble with a yielded snap ring, it's like that ring is working its way off over time and catastrophic failure is then imminent.

If anyone needs more proof of this, see the pic below. I don't think I used the wrong size snap ring (I had the set of 6 from cruiserteq), I think I just didn't tighten the bearings enough or the CV axle was crap (replaced upon purchase by previous owner). Either way it demonstrates the harm caused by a gap. It's a little blurry but you can see that the CV splines are galled up. Had to file them down to remove the flange.