CV axle removal, help! Options

[chaynes]

I need to replace my CV axles. Actually, the boots are bad, and the joints seem fine, but I'm afraid the task of taking apart the joints to replace the boots will be more than I want to do. So i picked up some CV axles from napa last weekend. I had the car up on the lift with the outer joint disconnected from the hub, and I couldn't separate the inner joint from the tranny! I tried prying on the tulip, like illustrated in the BGB, but to no avail. Also, prying against the tranny seems like a bad idea. Anyone have any hints as to how to get that thing out? I only tried the drivers side and failed, so i didn't even attempt the passenger side.....


BTW, the dealership wants $580 to replace the boots in case you were wondering.

[808celica]

i believe you can get the whole axle and replace them. its easy to take them out. Is your car auto or manual???

[99Celica]

I believe theres some kind of lock, I don't know the name, and its on the passengers side axle about a half a foot from the tranny.

[chaynes]

808 Celica: Car is a manual. I bought the CV axles from NAPA, about $50 each (+ core). The problem is getting the shaft out, in the service manuals it shows that you pry under the tulip against the tranny. I pried on it for about an hour before giving up. I guess those snap rings can be a bear to loosen...I was almost to the point of getting the 3 point puller and slide hammer out. I'm afraid this may damage the tranny/diff too!

One other thing, on the passenger side CV shaft, there is a damper about half way down the shaft. You can see it in this pic:


I ordered the axle at oreillys originally, and it didn't come with the damper. They told me it was balanced from the factory, and that it didn't need it, but i'm pretty sure it is there for a reason

[Bitter]

my new-rebuilt axles didnt come with the dampener and they ride just fine all the way upto 110mph, so i wouldnt worry about that.

as for getting the axle out, its held by a snap ring. they can be stubborn. what you need to do is get a straight bar against the inner joint then strike it with a large hammer. one good hard hit will knock the axle right out.


then replace your axle seals!

also, now is a great time to replace your gear lube in the trans as well as inspect your wheel bearings or just replace them.


you can reboot the axles fairly easily, but its quicker to just replace them and you'll have the peace of mind that they're new. it would suck if you rebooted them and then in 6 months they started making noise.

[soulshadow]

Get underneath with a long pry bar or a flat head (BIG) And at an Angle with the CV Axel connecting to the tranny. Find a good spot that won't move on the axle and take a hammer and pound on your axle going towards the outside where the wheel is until the axle pops out. You might find it easier if u turn the axel while u pound every here and then. It eventually comes out. The snap rings the only thing that keeps your axle to your tranny.

[chaynes]

Yes! I will definitely replace the seals and gear oil while i'm working on it. I have bottles of synchromesh just waiting to be used. I'll try to remove them again soon.

[808celica]

look closely where you but the pry bar. you unbolted the half shaft part right!?!?! also try tapping from the wheel hub side of the axle then prying it out.

another thing is turning the axle and prying in different places. my pass. side was PITA also. and yes replace seals.

[Bitter]

correct me if i'm wrong, but the 7afe has no carrier bearing, just the GT.

[chaynes]

Correct, no carrier bearing on the ST. Thanks for the help guys, I'll post how it turns out.

There's so much to do and I'm trying to prioritize what to do next. I'm thinking timing belt with camshaft and crankshaft seals and valve cover gasket is next, then if i have the time i'll do the axles in the same weekend. That's the plan anyway....may be a stretch. I can spread it out if needed.