Date:         Thu, 8 Jul 1999 14:57:18 -0400
Reply-To:     L&A Johnson <larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         L&A Johnson <larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA>
Subject:      Re: CV Joint advice
Comments: To: Larry Hamm <ldhamm@XMISSION.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Larry Hamm wrote:

> Matthew,
> A better idea may be to just flip the axle end for end, leaving it on
> the same side. This works well for those just doing work on one side

I'm sorry Larry, but I don't agree with your one-sided-flip proposal.

If you just "just flip the axle end for end, leaving it on the same side" then
the torque will still be applied to the same surfaces and continue wearing on the
same side of the ball trace. This is because the torque at the differential end
has an opposing torque at the wheel end. When you flip them, the torque
directions are unchanged. However when you interchange the axles side for side,
the torque directions are reversed and the opposing surfaces will bear the torque
load and wear will be on the opposing side of the ball trace.

To help in visualizing this, take a pencil. mark each end with the opposite
torque directions. Now flip the pencil end for end. You will see that the torque
directions are the same. Now imagine the pencil on the other side of the
differential where the applied torque is in the other direction. You will see
that the applied and reactive torque directions are opposite to the directions
marked on the pencil.

I know, I know, this explanation is as clear as CV grease. Ask Joel how to clean
CV grease off of your cloths, glasses, hair, ...

Larry Johnson


Larry Hamm wrote:

> Matthew,
> A better idea may be to just flip the axle end for end, leaving it on
> the same side. This works well for those just doing work on one side