Can't remove passenger axle

[vertebrate]

I'm trying to get a passenger side axle out of my 2000 GTP, and it just will not release. I'm not keeping tension on it. I have a pry bar with the hooked end sort of hanging on the axle since the straight part can't get purchase anywhere. I have pushed, I have kicked. I'm about to go golfing with a sledgehammer.

Maybe I'm underestimating the amount of force needed, but I'm shaking the car pretty good. Is there something I'm possibly missing, or some special secret here?

Thanks,
Steve

[machinegunsquid]

I've always had a hard time getting the passenger axle out of the GTP. Take's a very sharp, fast pop to get it to release. I usually use a straight pry bar (no curve at all) and a sledge hammer. I get the end of the pry bar on the inner CV joint, then 1 good whack with the sledge will pop it out. This way, instead of prying, you are using a direct force. Though it is a pain to crawl under the drivers side to do it.

So basically looking from the front of the car

-----[ ]_______*insert sledge hammer here*

Gotta get the bar under the tranny which is a little tricky, but it's worked everytime.

[vertebrate]

I ended up going the way you described with a steel pipe lever for an old jack I had and the sledge. Took a couple tries, mostly getting the hammer balanced right, but it's done. Thanks for the suggestion.

[glendayle]

Sometimes I can just pop it out, and other times I can't seem to get it. I always go rent the slide hammer and attachment from Autozone now. Makes popping that CV out easy as pie.

[dsmuts]

unless the joint comes apart.

[SJAndrew]

Strangeley enough I've found the passenger side to be easier. I just pull from the cup, straight out, with a jerk. I've never needed a pry (unlike the driver's side).

[dsmuts]

I have a driver side stuck in the trans in my garage right now.

[BillBoost37]

They key to an axle is sometimes to push the axle in first. This gives the compression clip a running start to compressing when you hit it with that quick jab. If it's expanded against the edge and you jab it..you will fight much harder.

Passenger side, I always crawl under. It's so fast..there's no issue of crawling.. did it as a baby..I can still do it.

Driverside. Gearwrench 82248, don't question it..don't look at the price, some tools are simply priceless.

[SJAndrew]

That's a very good point and great tip.

When you're pulling the axle, you're compressing a c-clip. If it's flush against the groove, friction will tend to hold it open.

[nik12937]

Bill, you make a very good point, that's the same trick I figured out recently when putting in a new passenger side CV axle, I pressed it in tight, got the pry bar in place and supported to ensure it wouldn't slip out, and gave it a firm (firm, not hard) kick with my foot and it popped right out

I actually found putting it back in to be more difficult until I put a block of wood under the axle to ensure it was aligned perfectly.

I also had a joint come apart on my old axle, that was DISGUSTING :P

[vertebrate]

Yeah, I tried every configuration I could think of between turning left or right, having the axle all the way in, and having it gently out all the way. It just wouldn't give with the pry bar and foot pop. Luckily the straight pipe plus sledge from the driver side got it out first shot.

[BillBoost37]

If I suggest something..there's a reason. Cause it works well. =0)

[Rico]

This is another one of those things that pisses me off to no end.
If the c-clip used on the axle has sharp edges it get's caught when trying to remove.

I always take the c-clip off and file the outside edges round before install...makes it super easy to remove.