cv joint changed but cannot line up the rear ball joint to put it back together

[clarky_two]

I have just repalced the cv joint, I removed the rear control arm to get it out. The ball joint wont line up now to put it all back together. Its atleast half an inch away at best. I have tried jacking up the other arms and levering the thing around.

Surely it cant be that far out am I missing something?

[passat 130 tdi]

try popping out the other side balljoint 1st , put the balljoint back in what you cant get in and then do the other side again !!!! may help ???

[NickPicks]

I found it should go back in easily. Make sure the CV joint is pushed properly into the hub splines. taking off the steering lock and turning the steering wheel might help to line it up. You might need a bit of force to manoeuvre the suspension arm underneath it.

you did make sure the CV join splines went properly onto the driveshaft? there shouldn't be a gap between the plastic spacer and the CV joint once the circlip has popped into place.

[Doctle Odd]

For future reference you don't need to remove the control arm just the track rod end. The splined shaft is very short

[NickPicks]

For future reference you don't need to remove the control arm just the track rod end. The splined shaft is very short

Oooh, I didn't know that. Although the book says that if you remove the track rod end, you'll need to have the wheel alignment checked, but removing the control arm joints, you don't.

[crazy4alfa]

When i did mine, I just removed whole driveshaft. It's the easiest way to do it.

[DSG4ME]

You'll probably find by moving the steering wheel it will line back up.hth.

[clarky_two]

Thanks for the advice guys. All it needed was a bit more leverage, in the end I had to take off the caliper and disc to get more purchase with a crow bar.

I was hoping that I would be able to get away without removing these. Anyway its done now - in the daylight and in the dry.....

[NickPicks]

I'm surprised you needed to crowbar it. Mine was flexible enough that turning the steering wheel lined it up. (Maybe that means I'll be replacing all the suspension rubbers at the next MOT:( )

It's always easier doing it in the dry, light, and preferably warmth.