cv joints

hello just replaced gearbox(after plastic speedo drive got it stuck in reverse)anyway one of the cv joints came apart and the bearings fell out.ifound 5 of the six bearings and put it back together.can i run it with 5 bearings or not?thanks sean

They don't contain bearings, they contain balls. You can't run it with 5, it will need all 6. Keep looking, I guess!

cheers mate,thought that anyway but thanks for reply

chippee said

cheers mate,thought that anyway but thanks for reply

I suspected you knew the answer before you posted the message, but there you go. Best to also thoroughly clean and inspect the CVJ while its off, they're machined to precision and any scrape marks or discolouration (from heat) on the machines faces, or the balls, means its on its way out. Also thoroughly clean it and re-pack with new grease, if its okay it should last another 100,000 miles or so!

they really sghould go back in the same holes they came out of also, I dont expect it will last long if not.