Brakes and Suspension CV Joints – Removal – 2.5L NA Estimated reading: 4 minutes Contributors Overview This guide outlines the procedure to remove the Constant Velocity (CV) Joints from the rear axles of a Porsche 944 with an 8-valve engine configuration, covering model years 1983–1985.5 (Pre-85.5) and 1986–1988 (85.5 Onwards). Removing the CV Joints is necessary for maintenance, cleaning, or replacement due to wear or damage, often indicated by a clicking noise from the rear during driving or turning. Proper removal ensures the axle and CV Joint components are preserved for reassembly or replacement. Pink and blue text represent links to additional resources, tools, parts, and partner websites. Tools Required 8mm (5/16 inch) 12-point internal tool (cheesehead or triple square tool) Metric socket set Channel lock pliers External snap ring pliers Paint marker or bright-colored nail polish Punch Hammer Solvent (mineral spirits or brake cleaner) Rags Power washer or brush (optional, for cleaning grease-caked bolts) Parts Required None (no replacement parts are required for removal, but inspect 944 331 901 00 CV Joint Kit or 944 331 903 00 Boot Kit for potential replacement after inspection) Step-by-Step Procedure Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle Park the vehicle on a flat surface and place blocks in front of and behind the front tires to prevent movement. Raise the rear of the vehicle using a jack and secure it on jack stands to provide safe access to the rear axles. Step 2: Mark Axle Orientation Use a paint marker or bright-colored nail polish to mark the orientation of the drive axles relative to the transaxle and wheel hub. This ensures correct reassembly later. Step 3: Clean Bolts (Optional but Recommended) If grease is caked on the CV Joint bolts, use a power washer or a brush with solvent (mineral spirits or brake cleaner) to clean the bolt heads. This prevents stripping the bolts or the 8mm 12-point tool during removal. Step 4: Remove CV Joint Bolts Use the 8mm (5/16 inch) 12-point internal tool to loosen the cheesehead bolts securing the axle to the transaxle and wheel hub. (Pre-85.5): Applies to models with manual or automatic transmissions (axles 477 501 103, 477 501 101A, or 477 501 102A). (85.5 Onwards): Applies to models with manual or automatic transmissions (axles 944 332 038 01, 944 332 038 02, or 944 332 038 03). Hold the wheel to prevent it from turning while loosening the bolts. Options include: – Place a block under the wheel if the car is low enough. – Have an assistant hold the wheel. – Engage the parking brake or place the transaxle in gear. Remove all cheesehead bolts from both ends of the axle (transaxle and wheel hub). Step 5: Remove the Drive Axle Carefully lower the drive axle from the vehicle, ensuring not to damage the CV Joint boots or other components. Place the axle on a clean working surface to prepare for CV Joint disassembly. Step 6: Separate CV Joint Collar Use a punch and hammer to gently tap around the outside edge of the CV Joint collar to separate it from the CV Joint housing. Tap lightly to avoid damaging the components. Step 7: Mark CV Joint Components Wipe away grease from the end of the CV Joint using rags and solvent (mineral spirits or brake cleaner). Use a paint marker or nail polish to mark the end of the CV Joint, from the center shaft across all components to the outside edge. This ensures proper alignment during reassembly. Step 8: Remove Circlip Use external snap ring pliers to remove the circlip at the end of the drive axle shaft, which secures the CV Joint to the shaft. Step 9: Remove Shaft from CV Joint Push the axle shaft out of the CV Joint. If it resists, use a flat-tip punch and hammer to gently tap the end of the shaft to loosen it. Step 10: Remove Concave Washer Remove the concave washer from the axle shaft. If it’s stuck, use channel lock pliers to carefully pull it off. Step 11: Remove CV Joint Boot Slide the CV Joint boot off the end of the drive axle shaft. Step 12: Disassemble CV Joint Turn the inner race of the CV Joint until the ball bearings align with the grooves in the outer race. Tilt the inner race to separate it from the outer race. Push the ball bearings out of the inner race. Note: Keep the parts from each CV Joint together and do not mix them with parts from other CV Joints to ensure proper reassembly. Post Procedure Checklist Verify that all CV Joint components (inner race, outer race, ball bearings, boot, washer, and circlip) are removed and organized for each axle. Inspect the CV Joint boot (944 331 903 00) for rips, tears, or wear, and plan for replacement if necessary. Check the axle shaft for damage or wear, especially where it interfaces with the CV Joint. Ensure all tools and bolts are accounted for and stored properly. Sources Clark’s Garage Pelican Parts Porsche 944 Workshop Manual, Volume 1 YouTube Tagged:Brakes and SuspensionCV Joints CV Joints – Removal – 2.5L NA - PreviousCV Joints – Installation – 2.5L NANext - CV Joints – Removal – 2.5L NAFront Sway Bar Removal and Installation – 2.5L NA
