Drive shaft C-clip question

[Mewoods]

Hey guys,
So, I just installed a new engine in my 1997 GTI 717. I bought the alignment tool and aligned the engine and pump correctly.
I installed the drive shaft with new rubber dampers on each end. When I pull back on the stainless ring and carbon ring to install the c-clip, how hard should it be to pull back on this. I have read where people have to take a block of wood and a pry bar to pull back on the ring. Mine isn't hard to pull back at all. one hand to pull back and insert the clip. is this normal, or do I have something not right? Thanks for the help.

 

[racerxxx]

Did you replace the o-rings inside that stainless ring? I usually lube them so it slides easy. You want to make sure you have good tension on the carbon seal.

 

[Mewoods]

I didn't replace anything on the drive shaft. Everything looked good. Everything slides easy. I jut don't think I have a good enough seal on the carbon ring. Could the bellow be worn and not pushing back enough?

 

[mikidymac]

The carbon ring and stainless hat can both wear down and the boot looses tension over time.

You shouldn't have to force it on but it should have pretty good tension on it. It typically takes both hands to slide it back enough to get the clip in the groove.

 

[Mewoods]

Thanks for the response guys. I think I will go ahead and buy a new boot, carbon ring, and stainless hat. Hopefully that will fix the issue.

 

[snikwad003]

Check out the OSD heavy duty one, it's a nice piece

 

[Kwik_uk]

Thanks for the response guys. I think I will go ahead and buy a new boot, carbon ring, and stainless hat. Hopefully that will fix the issue.

For the price of the parts, it's worth doing anyway. Swap out the rubber O rings too. Buy a spare just in case you mash one.

I swapped out the grease boot on the PTO at the same time. If you do this, be sure to use stainless oetiker clamps, not worm drive 'jubilee' clamps.