Drivers side drive shaft!

[sheridan]

I'll keep it brief.

Went to went to change the drivers side drive shaft mark 2 galaxy 2004 diesel.
After searching around factors for the "spline bit" for the 6 bolts connecting the 2 shafts together, getting the wrong size, it's a 12mm bit for anyone reading this, not a 10mm!
Got back home, back under car, connect up to socket and .......cannot get them shifted!! I've been informed there is a special long (800mm,) extension that you connect to the air gun and zip them off.

1) I don't have one, and I'm not gonna buy one as a one off use.
2)why the hell are they not normal hex bolts!!
3) can the whole assembly, as in all the dr
I've shaft be taken off as a whole by undoing the 2 bolts connected to the bearing support?

If I can I can get more access and leverage to get the bolts out. I'm replacing the entire shaft, intermediate and stub.

I tried to upload a photo but its to big, so hopefully you all know the bolts I'm on about. Advice? comments? Help?

Merci bien

Sheridan

[Mirez]

Ahh the old spline bit problem!

1) You can get the extension as a set for your normal driver (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181210227138) which makes life a lot easier, and worth having if you are a DIY'er as there are a number of these bolts around the car

2) No idea, VW in their wisdom I'm guessing or more likely another attempt to make you think twice and take it to the dealer!

3) Yes, but you'll need to undo the hub to lower ball joint to allow you to pull the hub forward enough to get room to slide the drive shaft out. Unless it's been changed recently then it's likely you'll damage it in the process and the cost is about the same as the set I mentioned above! On a 2004 you'll be fine but for other's reference if you had the earlier aluminium carrier then no!


The 10mm reference instead of 12, was that on here?
Also could you take a few snaps along the way? We can build a how-to on replacing the parts then - you don't need to attach them, just email them over to WIP@dev.FordMPV.com - THANK-YOU!!!

[sheridan]

Thanks for your reply.

I will indeed take comprehensive pictures of the progress as they portray a far easier description than words!

Looking at it I can undo the bearing bolts, and as you say the ball joint and hopefully will allow enough movement to get the whole lot out, then get the stupid spline head bolts out, probably source hex headed bolts the same length and replace. Bish bash and a lot of boshing!

I'll send the pics I have to that email address and let you see what's what. Hopefully get this job done and dusted. Next job is the fuel pump! Photos of course will be taken....

Here goes......

[sheridan]

Oh the 10mm size thing was not from here, it was a combination of my measuring while flat on my back on a gravel driveway and a receptionist at the local motor factors with delusions of grandeur regards knowledge of anything motoring!

Anyway......

[Mirez]

Awesome, that will be much appreciated!

[Doonkelly]

Just for info. my 03 Galaxy drive shaft needed replacement and I got a complete drive shaft from wheel to gearbox - even though I only needed inner - for less than half what I was been quoted for inner in Euro. Return old shaft and 2 year warranty.