EMPI CV axle fitment question/issue

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10/19/2013, 09:52 AM
spaceghost

EMPI CV axle fitment question/issue

Newbie asking Oldie question. I searched, but it made my brain melt the more I read.

I am part way through replacing an OEM CV axle shaft with an EMPI 80-3619 from Amazon, opting for the easier "half shaft" replacement by leaving the tulip "green inner cup" in place and fitting the EMPI axle into it.

After getting things together, the inner joint bearing feels sloppy with rotational play. It seems likely I will eventual wear and ruin the OEM tulip if I run with this setup. Do not want.

Should I return the axles and purchase a better fit (if so what?), or should I try to reuse the OEM balls and cage with the EMPI retainer? If going for reuse, what is the best way to separate the cage from the shaft?

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...Comparison.JPG
10/19/2013, 10:12 AM
bartmanS4

I know that VXorado just snapped two EMPIs so I would steer clear of them. If you can return them and purchase Sur Tracks. See Jo's thread: http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...hlight=cv+axle
10/19/2013, 11:14 PM
spaceghost

Thanks! Ordered SurTrack IZ-8021 CV Axle Shaft for $50 each of Amazon.
10/20/2013, 11:05 AM
JoFotoz

:thumbup:

Thats a good alternative for those not needing full axle fix...

...at a good price.

jo
10/20/2013, 11:39 PM
89Vette

Quote:

Originally Posted by spaceghost

Should I return the axles and purchase a better fit (if so what?), or should I try to reuse the OEM balls and cage with the EMPI retainer? If going for reuse, what is the best way to separate the cage from the shaft?

Glad to hear there's another option these days. IIRC, there's a snap ring on the end of the shaft. I think you can see it in the OP's pics.

When the snap ring is removed, the cage/balls come off. As you posted, I believe I used the OEM balls and cage on the EMPI shaft. I'm coming up on a year w/o obvious issue.

I remember it being a slight Rubic's cube puzzle getting things swapped over. LOL
10/21/2013, 09:11 AM
VXorado

The empi shafts are made for a trooper which use a smaller inner CV (green cup) and that's why you noticed slop. I was only using empi because I replaced my passenger side cup with one from a trooper to make it easier to source replacements. I've had some recent bad luck with the empi shafts but it was during off road trips. I doubt anyone would break a shaft street driving but they're still junk imo.

Also, the race/bearings from the empi won't fit on an OEM shaft (or vice versa)
10/22/2013, 11:00 AM
VX KAT

Billy, IIRC, haven't you been running the Empi's for a while?
10/22/2013, 02:21 PM
Triathlete

Was...back to my oem's. I blew my empi's up :)
When I need more I will use the ones Jo recommended.
10/22/2013, 02:33 PM
JoFotoz

Buy spares now Billy...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triathlete

Was...back to my oem's. I blew my empi's up :)
When I need more I will use the ones Jo recommended.

....I've seen how you drive!

:clap::jump::clap:

Jo
10/22/2013, 03:53 PM
Triathlete

And I've still broke less parts than you! :D
10/22/2013, 04:03 PM
JoFotoz

:jump:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triathlete

And I've still broke less parts than you! :D

...come do Spike and Metal Masher, then we'll talk!!

:_beer:

Jo
10/22/2013, 04:59 PM
Triathlete

Did metal masher on 31's :D

And yes, I have pics to prove it :)
10/22/2013, 05:01 PM
JoFotoz

"Some" of MM methinks ... and Not with Me & Jack..:cool:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triathlete

Did metal masher on 31's :D

And yes, I have pics to prove it :)

...... :eek: :eek: :eek:.

Spike for ya next May??? :thumbup:

Jo
10/23/2013, 12:16 PM
whitebreadx

My surtrack's will be here on friday: ) I be putting on the drive and passanger side cv axles, HD BJ's and HD BJ spacers, along with some HD tie rods. Hopefully my VX will feel a lot more silid
10/25/2013, 10:14 PM
89Vette

Quote:

Originally Posted by VXorado

Also, the race/bearings from the empi won't fit on an OEM shaft (or vice versa)

Except that they did on mine. Watched the mechanic pull then off and swap them. AFTER I drove up to see if they checked ball-size -- because of reading about it on the forum.

The jerk-wads ignored my typed instructions. Good think I HAD to show up.

My R1 concepts rotor was mismanufactured. I just happen to ask about the ball-issue when I got there. The mechanic had to pull off the side he already installed when we noticed the slop.

We set the ball on the table. There was obvious difference. The cages were different too. The shafts LOOKED the same.