Changing CV axle... tips?

[alphatarget1]

I remember trying to do a timing belt before and the problem was we couldn't get the crankshaft pulley nut off. I think the axle nut is the hardest thing to get out... Aside from that, what other tools will I need? ANy tips?

 

[jlee]

A badass impact gun.

Other than that, a long pipe and a breaker bar. I had to buy a 3/4" breaker after we broke two 1/2" on one axle nut on my MR2.

 

[Aikouka]

I don't recall it being too difficult when I did it. Don't you just pretty much separate the wheel hub assembly from the lower control arm, then pull the assembly toward you to let the CV axle slide out?

EDIT:

I can't recall if you had to detach the brake caliper or not... but if you do that, won't the assembly also come apart?

 

[jlee]

I don't recall it being too difficult when I did it. Don't you just pretty much separate the wheel hub assembly from the lower control arm, then pull the assembly toward you to let the CV axle slide out?

EDIT:

I can't recall if you had to detach the brake caliper or not... but if you do that, won't the assembly also come apart?

It's been a while since I pulled mine, but the worst part by far was breaking the axle nut free.

 

[Colt45]

Depends on the setup, but generally:

Loosen axle nut on the ground, might need a piece of pipe for leverage.. use a swinghandle and not a ratchet.
Remove bolts to differential, usually hex socket but they can be triple square - if they are, chances are you'll need to buy a socket. If you use a hex socket you may strip them.
Then depending on the suspension this step may vary, but usually you have to pop the balljoint out from under the steering knuckle / wheel bearing housing thing. Might be a fair bit of effort to pop the joint out if the anti-sway bar is heavy.
Once you've got that out, you can swing the strut/knuckle out a bit, so there should be room to clear the halfshaft.
Installation is reverse of removal

Shouldn't have to touch the brakes, but no guarantees. might vary a bit on your suspension as well.

 

[Fenixgoon]

based off of my experience with my old VW Passat..... get a lift. will make your job 100x easier

 

[joutlaw]

Hardest part for me was getting the axle out of the transaxle. Not a lot of room for leverage and on one side the only leverage point the transaxle case.

Not a fun job.

 

[AsianriceX]

If you've got axle bolts instead of axle nuts, they're probably one-time use stretch bolts. Get new ones unless you like having your axle flop around when the bolt breaks.

Oops, just saw you mentioned nut. Anyway, this video seems to be a good resource.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jydxpsh13WQ