Removing/Installing CV axle...so what's the trick?

[fjfodee]

Gotta change the CV's in my 94. All the FSM's I've seen basically just say to take the lockout off, disconnect from the axle housing, and pull it out. I can't get the axle to compress enough to get past the pressed in bolts on the axle housing (can't get bolts out either). Should I just unbolt the top ball joint and let the lower control arm hang down?

 

[cavemancaleb]

if you look close there is a little half circle ear cut out thing on the diff flange, you need to use that little cut out space to slide the axle flange past the diff flange, does that make sense?

 

[fjfodee]

Tried that, but the axle flange is cut in such a way that it doesn't help. These are the OEM axles btw.

 

[cavemancaleb]

it will work, just need a little persuading.

 

[fjfodee]

I'll try it again tonight. Does the suspension need to be compressed or unloaded or does it matter?

 

[cavemancaleb]

unloaded i would assume. and it walways helps to have a buddy pulling while you push kinda deal.

 

[toyminator]

Turn the wheel all the way to the left or right.

 

[fjfodee]

Turn the wheel all the way to the left or right.

I bet that woulda worked....I decided to just unbolt the upper ball joint from the A-frame and let the lower assembly droop. This gave me plenty of room and was only four extra bolts of work per side, very easy.

 

[Devil's Slide Doug]

Those who are prone to breaking these (and replacing them on the trail) have learned to replace the studs with nuts and bolts (that are removable) to make swapping easier.

 

[arndog123]

Those who are prone to breaking these (and replacing them on the trail) have learned to replace the studs with nuts and bolts (that are removable) to make swapping easier.

Instead of buying new nuts/bolts you can grind the splines off the OEM bolts. That's what I did.

 

[fjfodee]

Instead of buying new nuts/bolts you can grind the splines off the OEM bolts. That's what I did.

That's probably what I'll do next time. At least on a couple of the bolts.