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I tore down a set of CV axles in pursuit of improving them just a bit. They are for a 4WD truck. The idea is to reduce rolling resistance for the vehicle.
The outer non-plunging joint is very tight and as a result STIFF. The inner, plunging side, is weak and I think where it's design to fail? So I'd prefer to leave it alone, unless there's a way to better shoulder the bearing assembly. Comparing this CV axles to other it has MUCH higher inherit friction in the outer joint. Likely due to the loads it takes but I think maybe I could reduce that stiffness just a bit and be okay...
I digress.
Ball bearings:
Upon teardown I see it takes a 13/16" ball bearing. I'm trying to find them in Carbon Like Diamond but hard to find a place that shares the specifications for the ball bearings they sell.
I arrived at carbon like diamond but perhaps there's also other potential ball bearing types that are highly strong (not brittle) and have reduced friction characteristics?
Bearing Cage, & inner raceway:
The fit is EXTREMELY tight and rightfully so. However, I think some material could be removed from the bearing cage, and potentially the inner raceway. Comparing this joint with others, it's MUCH stiffer. I'm thinking I'd like to polish those parts. However, I'm uncertain as to what process would be ideal. A tumbler? If so with what media? In the least I'll probably use a rotary tool and rouge to polish them up just a touch in the friction areas.
Any additional tips are greatly appreciated.
