This is what I started with
I had already removed the strut as the spring had cracked and needed replacing, there is no need to completley remove the strut though as it will just swing out of the way once you have removed the top drop link bolt, track rod end and bottom ball joint.
Once I had removed the boot from the CV joint I could see more clearly and noticed splines! hmmm why would there be splines if it cannot be split.....
Feeling Brave I decided to get the big hammer out and give it a good old whack! This is what happened..
Ordered the new CV from JR (18.99 +p&p)
The new joint comes with all you need, although I opted to use jubilee clips instead of the supplied thingymabobs as they looked a bit feeble.
Make sure that you locate the old circlip and replace it with the supplied new one
Dont forget to put the boot on the shaft first along with the clip, pack the new joit with the supplied greaseand then put the rest of the grease into the boot. Then line the splines up on the shaft with the splines inside the new joint and tap it into place with a soft face mallet to make sure that no threads are damaged.
This is what you should end up with, a nice looking new CV joint ! PS, dont forget to torque up the 30mm nut.
Refit the bottom ball joint, drop link and track rod end, taking care to make sure that the ABS cable is located back into place at the bottom of the strut, refit roadwheels and anything else you may have removed and all done. Should take about an hour if you are quite handy with the spanners, if not, then add another half hour.
Hope this helps someone
