HER_CRD wrote:
So was just out looking at this and I'm now sure that the joint is assembled with the inner race backwards. The outer portion of the joint has 2 outside diameters. Large OD mates to the open cap and boot. Small OD mates to the the other cap and diff.
How much trouble am I asking for if I take the joint apart to flip the inner race around? Should I contact the seller for a replacement?
One thing I would like to mention (and maybe it's already widely known) is that the snap rings included with my kits were too large for the shaft so I used the old ones.
Simply try removing the joint off of the axle and turning it around and see if the boot cap still fits ok. If so, run with it, the joint does not care which way it is mounted as far as flex motion. We used to turn them around all the time on VW's to set up a new wear pattern when they become worn and started making popping noises...
If that will not work, you can spin the inner race around, it is kinda a pain if you have never done one.
Clamp joint in a vise at outer edge, use a wooden dowel or brass rod stuck into the inner race and gently work it around being careful not to let any of the balls fall out. The shiny ball cage should rotate with the inner race and keep the balls in place as you work it around and the cage has to be moved to the end of its travel to align the balls to the outer races groves before it will slide back together...
Wish you were close by, I could do this for you in less than two minutes....
Good luck!
_________________
Supporting Vendor and Moderator of LOST05 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited
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