CV Axle Replacement Question

[RyanCocolin]

I'm about to replace my CV axle this weekend and I've been reading threads all over this forum and watching videos. I'm hoping it's as easy as it looks but I have two questions that I keep getting mixed info on.

1) Do I have to drain the diff fluid to replace the axle? it seems that I can just put back in any fluid that comes out when I remove the axle, but I'm hoping someone can help me out with this. And those diff bolts sound like they can be a huge pain.

2) Is the axle socket nut 35mm on 4th gens (2007)? That seems to be the consensus but I want to make sure so I don't pop my wheel off and then realize I'm headed back to the store.

 

[MORK]

Don't put back old fluid - just get some to top it off.

I recommend new seals. Many don't replace them and then the will leak. I replaced my outer seals at the same time as well.

Outer seals - most people don't take the outer splines out carefully enough and it catches on the seals, ripping the edge out.

 

[ben550]

I'm about to replace my CV axle this weekend and I've been reading threads all over this forum and watching videos. I'm hoping it's as easy as it looks but I have two questions that I keep getting mixed info on.

1) Do I have to drain the diff fluid to replace the axle? it seems that I can just put back in any fluid that comes out when I remove the axle, but I'm hoping someone can help me out with this. And those diff bolts sound like they can be a huge pain.

2) Is the axle socket nut 35mm on 4th gens (2007)? That seems to be the consensus but I want to make sure so I don't pop my wheel off and then realize I'm headed back to the store.

Take pics and post a writeup when you're done.

 

[oljedi11950]

Probably still get the kit or pkcg whatever they call it new lube & clamps . This happened when I lifted mine but as we live n the desert , I just repacked them & new boots & clamps haven't had a prob since !

 

[Greydog]

Yes, my 07!had the 35mm axle nut.

Napa had it in stock

 

[MarkinWMich]

Don't put back old fluid - just get some to top it off.

I recommend new seals. Many don't replace them and then the will leak. I replaced my outer seals at the same time as well.

Outer seals - most people don't take the outer splines out carefully enough and it catches on the seals, ripping the edge out.

The outer seals come out relatively easily. The inner seals are a PITA to remove, but MORK is correct, replace them...you'll have a slow drip that won't go away. Guess what I am doing this weekend? Fixing a slow drip that won't go away....sigh. Lesson learned.

 

[montijo505]

35mm six point socket and a BIG cheater bar for the axle nut!

 

[DCGweez]

You want to replace the diff fluid.

Little tip for you, just take the skid plate off before you drain the plug. There is a gasket you can remove but it's still messy.

 

[Greydog]

35mm six point socket and a BIG cheater bar for the axle nut!

And a map gas torch !

 

[Jeremy556]

And a map gas torch !

I wouldn't. Not good for grease, plastic, or rubber components, of which there are a lot in close proximity. Decent impact wrench or 48" breaker should remove it without too much trouble.

 

[RyanCocolin]

The outer seals come out relatively easily. The inner seals are a PITA to remove, but MORK is correct, replace them...you'll have a slow drip that won't go away. Guess what I am doing this weekend? Fixing a slow drip that won't go away....sigh. Lesson learned.

I took my skid plate off, filled the diff, cleaned up everything and no leaks yet! I had already ordered new seals and blocked off my Saturday to replace them, but hopefully I dodged that bullet this time.

 

[RyanCocolin]

Take pics and post a writeup when you're done.

First of all, thanks to everyone who helped me out with advice on this...

So i'm not going to do a full write up (there are so many out there), and I didn't take pics (I was just ready to get the job done and my hands were greasy), but here's my experience with the CV Axle replacement...

It started off horribly... my dust cap seemed like it was welded on and no tool I had would budge it. So after a trip to the store, I ended up with chisels that didn't work, but a random scraper that did. So with the right tool, off came the dust cap.

I was a little intimidated by the axle nut, but this actually came off easily. I didn't have a deep socket, but it worked really well. It was almost scary how easy that part was...

So then comes the tie rod... I had a pickle fork which was completely useless. Like it didn't even make it budge. So I made another trip to Pep Boys to get a puller. With the puller, the tie rod only took 2 min.

So after about an hour and a half, we had done about 20 min of work.

Once we got to the axle, it didn't come out or go back in very easily. I don't know why - I think just because it was my first time doing it. I was probably too afraid to break something so I was overly cautious. But once the axle snapped back in, putting everything back together was easy.

We took between 3 and 4 hours - but like i said, the first 2 hours were spent being frustrated with the wrong tools, so here are my take always...

1) Find a buddy to do this with - it'll at least help pass the time

2) Use the right tools - it saves time and frustration

3) I printed the instructions from the service manual and watched these videos before I did it which helped out a lot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BawuxQHhTGs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jydxpsh13WQ

Other than that, it's as easy as people say it is. I didn't replace my seals and I think I got lucky that I don't have a leak like a lot of people say happens. Hindsight, I'd replace the seals just to avoid the possibility of having to take the axle back out to replace a seal when you just had the opportunity.