How to: Remove an axle

[brised]

When replacing the axle or CV Joint, ensure that the spline is well seated. I thought it was seated. After finishing the job I test drove it. Everything was cool until I floored it, the spline separated and I had to redo the whole job.


I ended up removing everything and started over at the assembly stage. Once the spline was positioned properly, I placed the wooden handle of my sledge hammer on the rubber covered end and struck it several times until it was well seated. I used caution not to damage the rubber cover. Reassembled everything, and it worked great.

[firstdue]

Working on my passenger side now. Ball joint free, can't get the outside part of the axle free from the wheel bearing area. Even removed caliper and rotor and wheel bearing (think it's bad too) I'd really prefer not to disconnect the strut but that looks like my only option.

Also, how freely should the bearing turn. There isnt any noise when I turn this one but it doesn't move freely either.

Thanks!!!

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

Just swing the whole knuckle to the side, the axle will slip out.

[firstdue]

Doesn't matter which way I turn it I can't get it out.

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

You must pop the lower ball joint out of the knuckle, that is the only way to get the knucke to move forward and towards the passenger side of the car.

Swing it up and over and the axle will slide out with some love.

[firstdue]

Must be missing something, started on the drivers side. Ball joint is popped free. Turning the hub pulling the caliper towards me with one hand and trying to pull the axle free with the other.....and no go. The control arm turns as far as the sway bar connection. How to said to loosen it, does it need to be removed to turn the control arm further? Thanks!!!!

[firstdue]

I can get the axle about 3/4 of the way out of the bearing.

[firstdue]

Think I found my problem, have the upper ball joint free....and not lower.....dah.

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

There is no upper ball joint...

I did one on the garage floor is maybe 30min total, pop the lower free and the axle will come out when the knuckle is moved to the side.

[firstdue]

Sorry, I meant tie rod. I didn't even see the castle nut just under the end of the axle.

[BillBoost37]

I never remove the tie rod. Not sure what piece you might be missing or misinterpreting...but this should be a quick easy.

If you can, snap a picture. Might help us understand better

[firstdue]

Thanks! Pic in post #84

[firstdue]

Ok, have that 18mm off but can't lift the strut or lower the control arm to separate

[Scottydoggs]

with the tie rod popped off the knuckle i turn the knuckle and push the axle in and bend it and slide it past the hole in the knuckle.

then you can start the fun part of popping it out of the tranny. why is the hub off? unless your changing it theres no reason to remove it.

[firstdue]

Getting the passenger axle out was a piece of cake. Had to remove the 2 strut bolts though.

Drivers side.....went straight to the strut bolts. Just holding the axle it came apart in my hands. This is all that's left.

[firstdue]

Great, outer shell came free but this is still in the transmission.

[firstdue]

Can't punch from the passenger side.

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

You'll need an alignment now.

[firstdue]

That's ok, still have to figure out how to get the piece out. Gave up for today.
Thanks for all of the help!!!

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

That thing inside the transmission on the drivers side is suppose to be there.

All you had to do was look at the different ends of each axle, they are suppose to be different.

One has a shaft end because that enters the diff inside the tranny, the other is like a female end because the shaft inside the trans will connect to that part.