Changed drive shaft, Differential oil seal and Ball joint dust covers (Phew)...with photos....

[Sprackers]

New drive shaft back in:

Again I sat under the car and carefully slid the end of the drive shaft back into the gear box keeping it level and straight. It slides in easily.

with the drive shaft inserted I then I pushed the drive shaft into the gearbox compressing it and got the wheel end of the drive shaft into the wheel. Its tight but not too difficult.

 

[Sprackers]

With the wheel supported again I turned my attention to the ball joints.

Firstly I got the new dust cover to replace the one I cut off.

Here is the dust cover with the two rubber rings to hold each end on.

Step 1: I got the big rubber ring and slid it over the whole of the ball joint in preperation to secure the top of the dust cover.

TIP: Turn the dust cover inside out first then slide it onto the nut then unroll it up and over the ball joint.

 

[Sprackers]

Once youve unrolled it over the ball joint you can grab the ring that you already put on the ball joint and pull it over the top to secure the top.
The bottom is just as easy just pull it up and over the bottom.

 

[Sprackers]

Push the wheel up slide the nuts back into the holes and replace the nuts to the bottom of both ball joints.

I had a problem with one as it was spinning round as I tried to tighted the nut but I got my long nosed pliers and grabbed the stem of the ball joint bar just underneath the rubber dust cover and manged to tighted the nut.

 

[Sprackers]

I then slid the brake caliper back on with a bit of wiggling. Slid the shoes back in with a little help of a flat nosed screwdriver, replaced the small pins at the back of the shoes and replaced the two big nuts at the back of the brake caliper.

 

[Sprackers]

Almost there......

Replaced with the new nut that came with the new drive shaft.
Replaced the wheel and removed all the supports.

DONT forget: Refill with transmission oil.

1st put your oil drip tray under the filler plug, under the car.

I used a small funnel and a piece of clear tubing. Making sure the bottom drain plug is secure remove the side filler plug. I inserted the tube and put the funnel in the top and started to pour in the new fluid.

I stopped when I could see oil coming out of the side filler plug dripping into my tray.

I removed the tube and left the filler plug out and let the oil it to dribble out until it stopped.

Replaced the filler plug.

DONE!!!! went for a quick drive round slowely checked it all and all ok.

I took me all day but I was flying blind a bit, but if it helps, great.

Finally: Get 5 cold beers and drink them.

 

[Sprackers]

Thanks to all that gave advice and help leading up to this job.

 

[jjad]

Thanks for the write up with photos. Brilliant!

 

[petak]

fascinating job!

And nice foto-documentation!

Everybody can change drive-shaft if follows your instructions.

It looks like simple job after this

 

[JonathanT]

Magnificent work Sprackers... You are one of the highly esteemed 'Differential Club' well done! And an excellent photo documentary too

 

[angel]

.

Eau de Source! :-D

 

[JonathanT]

Yuk some of this spilled in the boot of my people carrier when I took the gearbox to be serviced . The car STINKS now !

 

[André4Renaults]

Yes, the good old smell of used gear-box oil! It always reminds me of a child's vomit (apologies for anyone having their croissants & café au lait!)

 

[iMacThere4iAm]

What an excellent guide Sprackers your photos and detailed narrative give confidence to the nervous mechanic on this daunting task.