Replacing my torn CV boot. I went with a whole new joint just in case. Everything went fairly easy until I reached the point where I have to put the axle back in. Is there a trick to getting this thing back in? I need about another quarter inch of clearance to fit the inner joint back in place. Tried turning the wheel in both directions to see if that would gain me the space but no dice.

I obviously got it out, but now she's being spiteful going back in. Looking for tips.

Thanks in advance...

 

On my 2001 I managed to squeeze the CV joint back into the spindle by turning the wheel all the way to the right lock, then pushing the half shaft towards the transfer case. Just barely squeaked it in. What year/side are you doing? I believe Audi used larger CV joints on early B5's that make this method impossible.

Worst case you might have to unbolt the inner CV joint from the transfer case and put it in that way.

 

Mine went in by putting the axle through and maneuvering the inner joint above and forward of the diff cup, then seating the outer joint in the spindle and finally working the inner joint into the cup.

 

i say drop the lower control arms grab the knuckle and pull it out. should give you more than enough clearence if you have the other side jacked up so the other wheel can turn

 

That's what I was thinking ^

 

Resolution!

I ended up bolting the inner joint in first, removing the brake caliper and having the wife turn the wheel to full right lock while I squeezed it in there. Talk about a pain in the ***.

I didn't want to pull off the lower control arms because that probably would have lead to a whole 'nother project and my car would have been up on jacks while I waited for the new arms to come in.

Thanks to all who helped.