How important are CV axle match marks?

[repo]

When I pulled out the CV axle, the inboard joint fell out before leaving the inboard housing still on the front differential, because the boot was loose. I don't know how they lined up. The FSM re-booting instructions says to make match marks before separating the joint. Is this to line up the splines correctly or simply to maintain wear patterns or what? Will I damage the diff if I put it back together any old way?

 

[repo]

This is the matchmark I'm talking about

 

[snivilous]

Well I can say personally, I had no idea there were wear marks when I rebooted my CVs so I doubt they lined up, and I had no issues whatsoever.

If you can't find them just throw it back together.

 

[suppra87]

The matchmarks, like you said, are to make sure the wear patterns on the splines and bearings remain the same. It is also advised to do this so you know for certain you wont have any vibration/out of balance issues.

That being said, I have reassembled CVs without everything being clocked exactly as it came apart and to date have had no issues with that.

You should be fine to just reassemble.

 

[fourfive]

Didnt know there were marks either when i rebooted mine. So far so good after about 10k. I also used the inner grease (tan color) on the outer joint and the darker grey grease in the inner bc when my oem CVs that i got from toyota tore, thats how they were greased but later realized it was wrong. Anyhow everything is still good so far after 10k.

 

[Mgyver1]

Didnt know there were marks either when i rebooted mine. So far so good after about 10k. I also used the inner grease (tan color) on the outer joint and the darker grey grease in the inner bc when my oem CVs that i got from toyota tore, thats how they were greased but later realized it was wrong. Anyhow everything is still good so far after 10k.

I don't think there are match marks on the CV, you have to put them on.

 

[fourfive]

^ahh got you. appreciate the clarification

 

[nobb]

Didnt know there were marks either when i rebooted mine. So far so good after about 10k. I also used the inner grease (tan color) on the outer joint and the darker grey grease in the inner bc when my oem CVs that i got from toyota tore, thats how they were greased but later realized it was wrong. Anyhow everything is still good so far after 10k.

That's definitely wrong. Not sure how big of a deal it is, some lubrication is better than no lubrication. The tan grease is polyurea with lower viscosity and also very tacky for the inner joint's high speed roller bearings. The dark grease for the outer joint is moly enhanced for high pressures and shearing forces.

No idea about the marks, but it makes sense that it would be good practice.

 

[fourfive]

That's definitely wrong. Not sure how big of a deal it is, some lubrication is better than no lubrication. The tan grease is polyurea with lower viscosity and also very tacky for the inner joint's high speed roller bearings. The dark grease for the outer joint is moly enhanced for high pressures and shearing forces.

I know that is wrong as i stated in my post. The reason i greased it that way is when my boots tore on the cv i got from toyota, thats how it was greased. So far it hasnt been an issue after 10k but i have a back up cv just in case. The point i was making was that i was unaware of the matchmarks and got the grease backwards & didnt realize til later but it seems to be functioning fine. Definitely not promoting to do it this way just bc mine has been fine to this point and yes if someone knows the correct method it should be followed.