Do you need to clear the axle housing?
The axle shafts need to clear the axle housing to be fully removed. If you are going to perform a standard rebuild, which means replacing bearings, seals, and clutch pack, it is imperative to take good notes of the shims’ locations so you can return the axle back into service with minimal adjustments required.
What’s the best way to dislodge an axle?
Use a slide hammer tool, such as this one, to pop the axle shaft loose. It’s a great tool to have in your shop, but runs about $150. You can use pry bars to dislodge the axle shaft but be careful not to bend the plates. (Later, you’ll see how the bearing arrangement traps the plates on the axle shafts.)
What happens when you remove the nuts from an axle?
The rectangular shaped steel plate under the nuts holds the axle shafts and bearings in the housing. Once the nuts have been removed, you can lightly pull the plate loose. It is still trapped on the axle shaft, but you need to make sure it is loose.
When do you need to replace an axle shaft?
If this happens, you need to replace the axle shaft because it creates a stress riser in a critical area, and the axle will probably break in this area. Using a hammer and chisel, solidly strike the ring at the drilled section. If you support the other side of the ring with a block of wood you can hammer away.
How do you take an axle shaft out of a car?
Wiggle and twist the steering knuckle free from the strut. When the two have separated, the axle shaft should have slid partially out. Pull the shaft out with your hands. Removal of this shield will allow pry bar access to the “ears” (pry bar leverage points) of the axle’s inner bearing cup.
Use a slide hammer tool, such as this one, to pop the axle shaft loose. It’s a great tool to have in your shop, but runs about $150. You can use pry bars to dislodge the axle shaft but be careful not to bend the plates. (Later, you’ll see how the bearing arrangement traps the plates on the axle shafts.)
The axle shafts need to clear the axle housing to be fully removed. If you are going to perform a standard rebuild, which means replacing bearings, seals, and clutch pack, it is imperative to take good notes of the shims’ locations so you can return the axle back into service with minimal adjustments required.
How to replace CV axle shaft and output shaft?
Bolt on the suspension strut to the steering knuckle along with the brake hose bracket bolt. Install the wheel and remove your jack and jack stands. Torque the axle shaft nut to around 150 lbs. Applying your body weight to the breaker bar should put you close to that torque. Fill your transmission with ATF.