Internal CV joint (constant velocity joint) on Ε koda Octavia A5 - one of the key elements of the drive system, which wears out over time. A characteristic crunch when turning, vibration at speed or twitching during acceleration are sure signs that the unit requires replacement. Car service centers charge from 8 to 15 thousand rubles for this work, but if you have the tools and minimal skills, you can do it yourself.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of replacing the internal CV joint with Octavia A5 (including versions with engines 1.6 MPI, 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI), we will indicate the necessary tools, list common mistakes and give recommendations on the selection of spare parts. We will pay special attention to nuances that are often missed in standard instructions - for example, how to properly remove the drive without damaging the boot or why you should not hit the shaft with a hammer.
Signs of a faulty internal CV joint on an Octavia A5
Unlike the outer CV joint, which crunches when turning, the inner one often behaves differently. Main symptoms:
- π Crunching or clicking noise when driving in a straight line (especially under load). The sound may resemble metal rubbing or a βdryβ knock.
- β‘ Vibration on the body when accelerating or at speeds of 60β90 km/h. Often confused with wheel imbalance, vibration from the CV joint only appears under load.
- π Jerks when starting off or changing gears. This occurs due to play in the joint, which does not ensure smooth transmission of torque.
- π¨ Lubricant leaks on the inside of the boot. If the boot is torn, dirt gets into the CV joint and accelerates its wear.
On Octavia A5 with front-wheel drive, the internal CV joint suffers less often than the external one, but replacing it is more difficult - you need to remove the drive shaft completely. If the problem is ignored, a worn joint may jam, leading to a broken shaft or damage to the transmission.
β οΈ Attention: A crunching sound when turning the steering wheel is almost always an external CV joint. Internal appears when driving in a straight line or during sudden acceleration. Don't confuse the symptoms!
What tools and spare parts will be needed
To replace the inner CV joint with Ε koda Octavia A5 you will need:
| Category | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tools | 17mm socket (for hub nut) | Preferably shock, with an extension cord |
| Tools | 13 and 16 mm socket wrench | For ball joint and arm bolts |
| Tools | Ball mount or puller | You can use a lever from a vice |
| Tools | Torque wrench | To tighten the hub nut (torque 220β250 Nm) |
| Spare parts | Inner CV joint (article no. 1K0 498 201 or analogues) |
Original VW or high-quality analogues GKN, SKF |
| Spare parts | CV joint boot with clamps | Be sure to change along with the hinge |
| Consumables | CV joint lubricant (for example, LIQUI MOLY LM47) | At least 80β100 grams per joint |
If you plan to remove the drive for the first time, we also recommend purchasing circlip puller β it will be useful for disassembling the CV joint. Some craftsmen use a screwdriver instead, but this is risky: you can damage the seat.
- Heads and keys
- Torque wrench
- Ball puller
- None of the above
Step-by-step instructions: removing the drive shaft
Before starting work, make sure the vehicle is on a level surface and the handbrake is set. It is advisable to use supports for rear wheels - this will prevent the car from rolling away.
Remove the wheel from the replacement side. To do this, loosen the mounting bolts, jack up the car and finally unscrew the wheel.
Unscrew the hub nut (tightening torque 220β250 Nm). If it doesn't budge, use a wrench extension or WD-40. Do not try to unscrew it after removing the wheel - this will lead to the shaft turning!
Disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle. To do this, unscrew the two 16 mm bolts and use a pry bar to separate the parts.
Remove the end of the drive shaft from the hub. If it is stuck, gently tap it through the wooden spacer.
Remove the inner CV joint from the transmission. To do this, pry it out with a pry bar (do not use a screwdriver - it can damage the gearbox seal!).
On Octavia A5 with engines 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI Access to the inner CV joint may be difficult due to the subframe. In this case, you will have to remove the subframe or use a special wrench to unscrew the box mounting bolts.
βοΈ Preparing to remove the drive shaft
β οΈ Attention: If the drive shaft does not come out of the box, do not pull it by force! This may damage the gearbox seal. Instead, gently rock the shaft from side to side while pulling it out.
Dismantling and replacing the inner CV joint
After removing the drive shaft, you will need to disassemble it to get to the inner joint. Here's how to do it right:
Clamp the shaft in a vice using soft spacers (such as rags) to avoid damaging it.
Remove the boot clamps using pliers or a puller. If the boot is torn, cut it off with a knife.
Slide the boot along the shaft and clean the hinge from old grease. Use kerosene or a special cleaner.
Remove the retaining ring from the inner CV joint. To do this, use a puller or two screwdrivers (be careful not to bend the ring!).
Knock the joint off the shaft by striking it through a copper or aluminum spacer. Do not hit the shaft directly! This may deform it.
When installing a new CV joint, be sure to:
- π§ Put on a new boot up to installing the hinge on the shaft.
- π’οΈ Fill the CV joint with grease (about 80β100 grams). Excess grease will be squeezed out when installing the boot.
- π Make sure the retaining ring is in place and is not loose.
After assembly, check that the boot is not twisted and fits tightly on the shaft. The clamps must be tightened without gaps - this will prevent dirt from entering.
Before installing a new CV joint, apply a thin layer of lubricant to the shaft splines - this will facilitate assembly and prevent corrosion.
Drive shaft installation and final assembly
Assembly is carried out in reverse order, but there are several critical points:
Before installing the shaft into the gearbox, check the condition of the seal. If it is damaged or shows signs of leaks, replace it.
Insert the shaft into the gearbox until you hear a characteristic click - this means that the splines are fully engaged.
Tighten the hub nut with a torque wrench (torque 220β250 Nm). An undertightened nut will lead to wheel play, and an overtightened one will damage the bearing.
After assembly, check the wheel alignment angles. Even slight misalignment can cause uneven tire wear.
On Octavia A5 with automatic transmission or robot DSG Be especially careful when working with the drive - any errors can lead to malfunctions of the box. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to turn to specialists.
After replacing the CV joint, be sure to check the oil level in the gearbox - when removing the drive, some of the oil may have leaked out.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing the internal CV joint. Here are the most common:
- π¨ Hitting the shaft with a hammer - this deforms it and can lead to imbalance. Use only soft spacers.
- π Twisted boot - if you donβt straighten it, it will quickly tear and dirt will get into the new CV joint.
- π§ Insufficient tightening of the hub nut - this can lead to the wheel turning away while driving.
- π Ignoring check of the gearbox seal - if it is worn out, after replacing the CV joint, oil will begin to ooze.
- π Saving on lubrication - cheap or old lubricant will accelerate the wear of the new joint.
Another common mistake is the wrong choice of spare parts. For example, on Octavia A5 with engine 1.6 MPI and 2.0 TDI different CV joints are used (they differ in shaft length and spline diameter). Always check the catalog using the vehicle's VIN code.
What happens if you donβt replace the inner CV joint on time?
If the wear is critical, the hinge may jam, which will lead to a break in the drive shaft. In this case, the entire shaft assembly will need to be replaced (cost from 15,000 rubles), and the gearbox can also be repaired (if fragments of the CV joint get inside).
Cost of work and spare parts: comparison of options
The price of replacing the inner CV joint with Ε koda Octavia A5 depends on several factors: the brand of the spare part, the region and the complexity of the work. Below is the approximate price:
| Position | Original (VW) | High-quality analogue (GKN, SKF) | Budget analogue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner CV joint | 6 000β8 500 β½ | 3 500β5 000 β½ | 1 800β2 500 β½ |
| Boot with clamps | 1 200β1 800 β½ | 600β1 200 β½ | 300β500 β½ |
| Grease (100 g) | β | 300β500 β½ (LIQUI MOLY) | 100β200 β½ |
| Work (in service) | 8 000β15 000 β½ | 8 000β15 000 β½ | 8 000β15 000 β½ |
There is no need to skimp on the quality of the CV joint - cheap analogues (for example, Febi or Topran) often last no more than 20β30 thousand km. The best option in terms of price/quality ratio - GKN or SKF.
If you decide to change the CV joint yourself, the total cost of spare parts will be about 4,000β6,000 rubles (including lubricant and boot). This is 2-3 times cheaper than in the service.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the inner CV joint
Is it possible to drive with a crisp inner CV joint?
In the short term, yes, but it is fraught with consequences. A crunch means that the balls in the joint are already worn out, and further use will lead to:
- Increased vibrations on the body.
- Risk of CV joint jamming (especially during sharp turns).
- Damage to the gearbox due to metal shavings.
We recommend replacing the CV joint within 1-2 weeks after the first symptoms appear.
Do I need to replace both CV joints (inner and outer) at the same time?
Not necessary if the second joint is in good condition. However, if the outer CV joint is already worn out (crunches when turning), it is logical to replace both at once - this will save time and money on disassembly. On Octavia A5 The service life of the internal CV joint is usually higher than that of the external one, but it all depends on the operating conditions.
How to check the inner CV joint without removing it?
There are two reliable ways:
Vibration test: Accelerate to 60β80 km/h and quickly release the gas. If the vibration disappears, the problem is in the CV joint.
Backlash check: Jack up the car, lock the brake and swing the wheel in a vertical plane. Play of more than 1β2 mm indicates wear.
Is it possible to use a used CV joint?
We absolutely do not recommend it. Even if the hinge looks intact, it is impossible to determine the degree of wear of the balls and cage without disassembling it. A used CV joint can last from 500 km to a year - itβs a lottery. The exception is spare parts from disassembly from cars with a mileage of up to 50 thousand km (but even here the risk is high).
How long does it take to replace?
The service time is 2β3 hours. On your own (for the first time) - 4β6 hours, since you will have to deal with the nuances (for example, how to remove the ball joint or not damage the boot). If you already have experience, the time is reduced to 2-3 hours.