Replacement of a protective cover of the external hinge

The replacement of the protective cover of the outer hinge can be done on the drive shaft removed from the vehicle or the drive shaft fixed only in the wheel hub.

Loosen the front wheel nuts.

Raise the front of the car and secure it on stands. Remove the wheel.

Unscrew the tie rod ball joint from the steering knuckle.

Unscrew the bolt and nut securing the lower ball joint of the suspension arm to the steering knuckle. Pay attention to the position of the bolt, so that you can then correctly install it in its place. Lower the suspension arm down. Mark the position of the collars for fastening the protective cover of the outer hinge. Release the clamps and slide the protective cover along the drive shaft to the gearbox. Remove grease from outer joint. Using the appropriate pliers, remove the circlip from the drive shaft and at the same time pull the hub out of the vehicle (see fig. 8.14). In this case, the drive shaft will come out of the outer hinge.



Remove the old protective cover from the drive shaft.

Clean the drive shaft.

Install a new protective cover on the drive shaft.


Install a new retaining ring in the groove of the outer joint and apply grease to it (see fig. 8.15, 8.16).





Slide the drive shaft into the outer pivot until the circlip locks into the groove in the drive shaft (see fig. 8.17).



Remove excess grease from the hinge. Slide the protective boot over the drive shaft and place it on the bearing surfaces of the shaft and pivot. Secure the protective cover with clamps.

Attention. After installing the large clamp of the outer hinge, check that the free end of the clamp is firmly pressed against the hinge and does not touch the steering knuckle when the shaft rotates.

Connect the lower arm ball joint to the steering knuckle. Insert the pinch bolt into its original position and tighten the lock nut to the correct torque. Connect the tie rod ball joint to the steering knuckle. Install the wheel and lower the car.