Taff107

Can anyone tell me what size socket I will need to remove the hubnuts in order to take out the driveshafts please?

Dream Weaver

Either 35mm or 36mm. They seem to differ between different cars

I recently used a 35mm hub nut socket on mine and it worked fine - you will need a long breaker bar though. If it has 1.6 alloys, you will also need to remove them first, then have someone step on the brakes whilst you remove the nut (1.6 alloys have solid centre).

Taff107

It's off a 1.9 - I measured the nut and it seemed to be 35mm, so you reckon it would be safer to get a 36? I doubt it would make a difference being a mil over, would it?

Dream Weaver

<Goes off to have a look at hubnut socket>

Mine is 35mm, so go with that size as it wasnt a tight fit.

The driveshafts are quite easy to remove - to separate the hub carrier from the balljoint, you need to push the hub in at the bottom, then prise the joint out with a crowbar.

The most difficult part is the intermediate bearing in the lower engine mounting. There are 2 L shaped bolts that hold it in place, so you need to undo them, then turn them 90 degrees so the L shaped part moves away from the driveshaft and into a recess.

The Haynes manual will mention the final drive gears falling out when the DS is removed, and they mention putting some dowels in place, but this is only for cars up to 1985 so ignore that bit.

Anything else required just shout - having recently stripped the entire front end of my Pug, including engine, I have plenty of tips for you.

Dream Weaver

Oh, and dont forget to buy new driveshaft seals, and also the driveshaft seal protector for one of the driveshafts (cant remember which one off hand, NS I think) - its a small plastic sheath that fits over the seal during fitting.

Dream Weaver

And, the 1.9 wheel centre caps prise off so you can remove the hubnut with the wheels on the ground - much easier.

Taff107

Thanks for your help Dream Weaver - I really appreciate it and will be taking you up on your offer for future advice!
I was a bit worried about the drive gears dropping as talked about in the Haynes manual so that is good to know. Do you think that I'll need to change the seals as I'm only removing them to drop the lump out of the 1.9 and put it into a 1.6. There doesn't seem to be any problem with the driveshafts or is it advisable to do it anyway?

Dream Weaver

Its probably advisable to do them as they will only be a few quid each I would think.

Try http://www.gsfcarparts.com/ for them

Taff107

Ok, - ta! You scouring 205 GTI drivers too, I see!