Can you replace both front axles at the same time?
It is recommended you replace both front axle shafts at the same time to keep your handling neutral. This picture illustrates the left side wheel well with the tire removed. If you have a breaker bar and a pry bar you can install two wheel studs in the axle hub and position the breaker bar between the two wheel studs and the ground.
Where does the torque come from on the front axle?
The front driveshaft applies its torque to the front differential and from there the torque is split between the left and right side axle shaft. Because these axle shafts must flex with both suspension movement and steering movement CV joints are used at both ends of the axle shaft.
How are thru axles different from threaded axles?
Through axles are essentially a large bolt that attaches the wheel to the frame whereas quick releases (and older threaded axles clamp the hub into slots. Most frames and forks cannot be easily modified, the dropouts are permanently attached.
Where do you put the axle shaft in a Mercedes Benz?
Fit the axle shaft into its mount either in the transfer case on the right side or the intermediate shaft on the left side. Position the outer CV joint of the axle shaft in the spindle being careful to line up the outer CV joint splines with the splines in the hub of the spindle.
Which is the right side of the axle to replace?
And it’s usually the right side that goes first because here in the lefthand-drive US of A, we turn sharper around righthand corners than lefthand ones. Sometimes the rubber boots covering the joints fail from age or are torn by road debris, letting the grease out and dirt and water in.
How are the wheels connected to the transaxle?
Your CV joint has failed. The wheels of your front-drive vehicle are connected to the transaxle via axles that have constant-velocity-type universal joints at each end. There is an inner and outer joint on the left and right axles.
What happens when your front drive axle fails?
One afternoon, just as you pull out of the parking lot, there’s a loud banging noise and a series of crunches. Then all forward thrust drops off, punctuated by vibration and the occasional ping of tortured metal. Your CV joint has failed.
Can a front wheel drive axle be replaced?
Balls and grooves will show wear before the joint fails completely. Replacing a front-wheel-drive axle is straightforward, although physically demanding. Get the replacement axle before you start, as well as a new spindle nut and a cotter pin or two.