Ball joint play/driveshaft

[atreyu]

Hi all,

The MOT is due on my 2004 Alhambra 1.9TDI next month so I'm just addressing a few issues.

The nearside, inner CV boot is split. I was going to start to change the gaiter yesterday but I noticed a massive amount of play in the lower suspension ball joint. (I had noticed a knock when turning sharply into my drive etc)..... Now in turn this means I can move the driveshaft in and out a little bit.

Can someone confirm if this is normal or not, I suspect it is.... because of the amount of wear on the ball joint allowing it to do so?

[atreyu]

http://vid2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/britaxcooper/20151009_153542_zpseac1ongu.mp4

[insanitybeard]

Due to the design of the Galaxy/Alhambra/Sharan driveshafts with the inner tripod type joints (fitted to the TDI's at least), any play in the suspension mountings/ wheel knuckle will allow the driveshaft to move axially (in and out so to speak), so yes, it's normal in as much as the design of the driveshaft allows it to 'float' if something else isn't keeping it fully secured and located.