thanks for the reply grunt, i wish you were here yesterday
i couldnt sleep last night wondering what could be wrong. i initially had 2 problems. the stub axle not allowing the halfshaft to float freely and when everything was on, there wasnt enough halfshaft left for the circlip.
i tried the old stubby, halfshaft fine, new stubby halfshaft stuck.
anyway, i thought, as you suggested that the stubby wasnt engaging the CV joint properly. so tonight i got out my calipers and would you believe it, the brass ring on the old stubby had an internal diameter slightly larger than that of the new one. so i drifted both out and swapped them.
problem solved
i dont know if i got the bearing preload right though. it felt tight but when i fitted the wheel it wobbled slightly. so i took the drive flange and bits off with the wheel still on and tightened the bearings up as tight as i possibly could with that **** hub socket you can buy and a small bar through it (so not very tight then). with the wheel on, it wobbles a fraction is this ok?
it might even be my swivel housing and not the hub.
anyway, thanks for all your help guys, really appreciated. id be F^&%ed without you. thanks for the sound and quick advice grunt. your experience is invaluable
so my bank holiday is back on the cards now!
G