How to Replace a Front Axle Half Shaft

[@oroguy580]

Wow, a mechanic video with great sound quality! I could actually hear what Ben was saying. Very helpful video, thanks for offering it to us.

[@Chris07860]

I can respect that I mean in our automotive class we have cars that are in the same condition as that one that go no where that we repair parts on as a learning experience. These vids will help me out in my career as well. From a technician in training over here I want to say keep up the good vids Ben. -Chris

[@canadmos]

Call me a nerd, but I love watching these videos. Informative yet entertaining and straight forward. The internet is full of amazing free material, and this is one perfect example. Even if I never actually do this repair, at least now I know what it being done to my car and what to look out for. Thanks!

[@dhflannagan1]

Great video and commentary. All the little verbal tricks you tell us are a great help. Thanks so much. It wasn't half as complicated as I thought it would be!

[@dustinsadler668]

Your video was very good. It was way more clear and to the point than any others ive seen on this subject. Thank you so much for posting this one. I am changing the half shafts on a 1999 Chevy Malibu 2.4L. So pretty much the same as the car you did as far as how it's constructed. Thanks again.

[@HILLBILLYinHELL]

I like how your directions were clear and easy to understand. No long jokes or funny voices just telling us what we will need to do and showing us easy enough to figure out. Some of the guys on here thing they are funny with voice or joke if I want that I will look that up. Thanks again for making a great video and I not only saved this video I subscribed for future jobs I might have to do.

[@rush45100]

You make these jobs look so easily done. Video as usual is on spot - hopefully I can do an awesome job even as close as you did. 😁

[@east5871]

Excellent! I watched the video a couple of times and decided I could replace the half shaft on a 2003 Buick Rendezvous. Bought the part and took the old one out. Everything you said would happen did happen. Watched the video in spots to verify what I was doing. No problems! I don't understand how a dealership can justify their charges for this job.

[@justincase9345]

I just replaced my driver side on a '04 rendezous and it wasn't bad at all, no time for an '83 nissan datsun sentra

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

They need to pay for the fancy suits and free coffee

[@fr3nzy651]

Great video bro thank you so much i got a shitbox ive had to change bearings on, shocks, brakes, tie rods, ball joints, tires you name it and this is the most consice video ive seen so far, thanks bro hope youre doing good

[@DNangel34]

Nice job. Thank you for taking the time to do this video! From Palmyra, Maine

[@rexslipka2539]

IT would of been nice to mention about replacing the cv axle seal while you had the shaft out, but enjoyed the video good job

[@stevenoliveri2023]

THANK YOU for this! I did it once on my 2003 Mitsubish Outlander. Now I need to replace the drivers side AGAIN only after 3 years. The original lasted 10. Just needed to refresh my memory. Not sure why there are no posts for Mitsubishi Outlanders. Am I the only one who has one of these? Great cars.

[@elgringiototote]

This was the first significant repair I ever did. Very straight forward on my first love, my crx

[@mylifeisJDM]

Thanks Ben and C/D for this awesome video. Very well shot and informative.

[@bri-ic9np]

Good job mate, very well put together and step by stepped

[@joed9224]

I tried your pry bar method on my Jeep Commander, All went well until time to pop out the axle. It would not come out. I pried and pried, I actually bent the Axle drive shaft seal and the oil started leaking out. Unfortunately none of the local parts stores had the seal. Have to visit dealer in the morning. You should mention that there is a tool similar to the tie rod end remover (aka pickle fork) that can be rented from parts store. Once I got this tool and hit with a BFH the axle popped right out. Took all of 1 minute. Never do this repair on a Sunday.

[@aubreyammons5724]

Ben, You have A great help. I have 3 cars and I will come back to you as needed. THANKS.

[@michaelmclernon4929]

Kudos on a well done video, it is good that he mentioned about the two strut bolts likely to affect alignment (camber), even if they aren't the adjustable type there is usually enough play to affect position, when reassembling. Most of these videos ignore this. He didn't mention to be prepared that a lot of transaxle fluid can drip out of the axle opening while the shaft is out. If he has enough mileage on the vehicle to warrant drive shaft replacement for whatever reason, he should have replaced the transaxle output seal while he was in there - a lot easier than finding that the hardened old seal didn't take kindly to being disturbed like this. Just saying, that's how I would do it.Those joints don't really wear out unless the c/v joint boots are torn for a length of time, so I wonder why he didn't just replace the boots. Taking the two c/v joints apart and cleaning, inspecting and re greasing isn't that much more work, I've done dozens of them.Those c/v joints are nearly indestructible and no great mystery to work on.

[@tragichero7746]

lost the title.... i think its awesome that your not BSing us! thats one of the reasons i love this show

[@PhattyMo]

Be sure to look up the specific torque for the axle nut on your vehicle. It's important that it's not under/over-tightened,as this can cause the bearing to fail. Use a torque wrench.

[@CryptoBates]

thanks man

[@PhattyMo]

Many times,if you're replacing the hub/bearing,the included instructions for the new part will have the torque listed. It may vary from the OEM torque. It's probably best to follow the hub/bearing manufacturer's specs,in that case. Just an FYI,hope it helps someone.

[@CryptoBates]

PhattyMo Thanks again! You seem to know a lot about cars, i am just learning, a student. I jacked up my cars L front wheel, wiggled the drive axle shaft(the rod between the 2 boots?) and it can wiggle up n down, is that normal?

[@PhattyMo]

I'm just a backyard mechanic,and have a lot to learn myself. In my experience,the axle shafts should be fairly 'stiff',but may have a little play. If it feels 'loose',it's probably in need of repair/replacement. It may depend on the vehicle. I don't have a whole lot of experience with the shafts. Maybe somebody else will have a better answer. Or look for some videos about it here on KZbin. Good luck!

[@CryptoBates]

PhattyMo Thanks for the reply! i will either take it to a mechanic or take another look into it, it just sucks when its raining and you have no garage and its night time, Cheers ^AB

[@johnipennie2021]

Thanks so much Ben. You explain everything so well.

[@zuko5760]

if you paint bolt heads and surrounding surface b4 strut bolts removal , you can get alignment pretty close where it was during reassembly

[@malcolmliddell6874]

Great explanation. Clear and easy to follow. Thanks

[@gezzad_4567]

Great video. Thanks from Australia

[@mfight]

Thanks for the video. This Pontiac Grand Am is similar to the Oldsmobile Alero. Sometimes there are not too many videos of that car make.

[@herculesxblade6915]

Hey, Question? I had a Pontiac Like Your’s ,I didn’t have a bad CV Axle but I had really WEAK Front Shocks - Struts.So I went through the hassle (Saved $75) of changing them myself. I bought them online from a Big Retailer and I questioned them about Front end Alignment after the swap. They e-mailed me that it wasn’t needed but if I didn’t have it done for say 50k or more it wouldn’t hurt. So I took it to a place that specializes in Alignments.They hooked it all up and guess what? It was right on didn’t need any adjustment.The guy told me if there are elongated holes with special washers under the nuts ,like the holes are also wider than a round hole or the bolts that slide through the strut have on side between the head of the bolt and the threads a flattened side for Alignment , Then that would be a good indication that this is one of the alignment points,But since my holes for the struts were Perfectly Round without the adjustment washer it was not a caster or camber ,Toe in or out Point ??So were they Wrong or What?

[@calebguillory8284]

Best demo I could find, thanks!

[@MonteOlsen]

Thanks! This looks simpler than I thought it would be.

[@jobeppe]

Good video! But you forgot to put back the washer that goes behind the axle nut! (it falled on the floor at min: 7:50 in the video)

[@dan-ace-k5k]

Thank you for sharing!! That was an excellent job!! Congrats!!!

[@HamBawlz]

amazing. i suspect that i have torn boot last night and then this video popped up. Glad i subscribed.

[@peterworker]

excelent video, excelent sound, excelent demonstration, very, very helpfull, god bless you. thank you. ,

[@harryramsook8184]

very helpful, haven't done the replacement but soon to attempt.thanks

[@junebug8882]

Thanks for showing me bro I'm going to save a lot of money doing it myself

[@junebug8882]

And then I can make money doing family and another people cars.. 2020.. What...😊👍

[@kaMEKANIKOmixtv]

Nice!!! good job bro. god bless!

[@brianschlake197]

This video is outstanding. Very informative. Thanks so much!!!

[@menol1421]

hey ben iam and aprentice mechanic i find your videos very , very usefull please donnot stop making them ! and one thing , can you make the videos more longer , thank you and keep it up

[@amosva300vaba9]

Thanks so much . You explain everything so well.

[@ncbassmaster25]

eric the car guy did the same job and he didn't mess up the alignment at all he took bottom bolt and pin off and then replaced the axle it was much easier and less time you did it way weird and didn't really save us any money if we have to get an alignment afterwards. thanks

[@troysandoval2731]

Thanks for the video. Great job

[@Phiyedough]

Superb explanation. My driveshafts are OK but I think there is a problem with the bearing in the gearbox where one of the shafts goes in. Does that generally mean a total gearbox strip down or can the bearing be pulled out with the transmission still in the car?

[@CarmenateVillalobos]

Yet another great video! Any chance you can show how to do this a RWD car? Been wanting upgrade my diff

[@ivane.degonzalez7520]

Great video! Very well explained.

[@scottketchum2224]

I replaced the cv axle on my 2001 Pontiac grand am but for some reason it didn't pop out of the transmission very easily. I had to pry from a few different angles and it took quite a while to get it out and finally it came out. My question for you is do you know why I had such a difficult time getting it out? I'm obviously not a mechanic but I've done a heck of alot of stuff. I did get the job done so no harm, no foul, just a bit curious.

[@olenaerhardt7725]

May I ask, did you put anything on transmission to distribute the load, when prying out the inner part of the CV Axle? Thank you for informative film.

[@AnOversizedHat]

My favourite part is where he forgot to put the washer back on the axle after it fell off when he wasn't paying attention. You can see it when he starts hammering the axle free from the hub and hear it fall to the ground at 7:50

[@midnightrunner684]

My Favorite part was that Americans woke up and Voted Trump in as President

[@eightbit3055]

You can do an alignment at home and I've done them all myself with no issues using only a string and a level.

[@izz5946]

can you explain a little better how you did an alignment with s string . im curious now..

[@pedigoli]

Excellent Video. Thanks a lot :)

[@healersambath]

very very useful to me,so many thanks to you.

[@chass5438]

Ah, I think an alignment does need done. I did both my axles and within weeks my good tires were completely warn on the insides. I think he's correct. My GM car uses the same exact set-up. Tires should last the life of the tire rating.

[@willdon987]

GOOD QUALITY VIDEO APPRECIATE THE PROCEDURE BREAKDOWN.

[@Kinggeeceeu]

THANK YOU....THAT WAS VERY HELPFUL...JOB WELL DONE...

[@Charlie9165]

Great video. Thanks.

[@jeanbravo9331]

Great video. I have learned a lot from your videos. I also love the gloves you use. Where can I get those?

[@cyrilasfrenchyaz]

Won't the lithium grease contaminate the ATF? Just wondering... Thanks for the video, really helpful.

[@mainzgirl1542]

Nice video, thanks. You did not mention about how to address the oil or grease that was lost from the damaged CV.

[@andyfumo8931]

Your new or reman axle has the boots already pregreased. As for the fluid coming out the differential, not much maybe a quart comes out, rarely, but just in case you just check your trans fluid level after you're done, fill up as needed.

[@rubbermallet3873]

from 8:22 to 8:43 you are using a flexible pry bar, from where did you get that tool? 🤔

[@emylrmm]

very well done!

[@harmeetthind8362]

Thankx a lot for sharing this video.. it help me lot.

[@SuperWhiner]

Do you have a video on how to replace the Bearing behing the cv oil seal on a grand prix. 2008 When i removed my cv axle there was little bearings all over. Thanks for any help. Had to wrap a chain around the back of the axle then around a pry bar then swing like a bat just to get the axle out.

[@mk-jl3zd]

Hope you don’t mind me saying you forgot to replace the old gasket!

[@rmgjesslumakwas8866]

thank you for this vedeo sir. now i know how to replace the axle😊😊

[@auto5847]

how to change bearing on wheel? I can hear it...do you have such video?

[@leonarddroneview6947]

With it on the car should the inner joint have some play at the trans , up ,down,

[@andyfumo8931]

Definitely not

[@MrGarcon98]

nice vid , question here , any vids on front wheel drive carrier bearing ? thanks

[@shermanprice3107]

Very good, and helpful. thank you.

[@mikecalhoun5016]

very good video!! can you show a video on how to remove and replace a transmission on Chevy vans FWD, without a hoist, thanks!!

[@cousinsgrimm7952]

If you have to hammer the CV axle shaft to get it to push through the wheel hub, I suggest using a rubber cap or a piece of wood instead of twisting the nut on backwards, and using that as a hammer point. You can lock that nut on there by smashing the threads and have to end up cutting the nut off.

[@cousinsgrimm7952]

stan d. upnow same here. I had to cut my axel bolt off which messed up the threads on the CV axel. I had to cut off bout a inch off of the CV axle.

[@andresguzman8343]

Racampiño de un eho 2004

[@PsychoFisho]

Instead of removing the knuckle/strut bolts to provide clearance to remove the axle, isn't it possible to avoid a alignment issues by removing the lower ball joint from the knuckle instead?

[@PsychoFisho]

+PsychoFisho Nevermind - I posted before reading the comments.

[@billbatteeiii4971]

I wanted to say something about no alignment needed, PsychoFisho you said it for me bud, ty

[@abundantYOUniverse]

Really good thanks.

[@jarrodthomassr9250]

Great video do you have anything on Mercury Cougar 2000

[@tristanveasna6947]

Wow. The sockets or mLs that you have to get those bolts out. What size where those?

[@AndrewNL08]

Did the replacement part come with the ABS wheel or did you reuse the existing one...I got to replace my half shaft and I didn't think about that when ordering the part. :/

[@xeno126]

Be very careful when removing the shock absorbers' bolts if the springs sit on the lower control arm because the springs are pushing on the control arm and the absorbers are holding the control arm in place. You have to remove the springs first.

[@rexd.cundiffjr.4905]

How do you replace cv axel on a 2000 Saturn LS2 3.0 V6? Would you do a video on it? Can you also show how to replace the drive belt on same vehicle?

[@scottymiller8076]

all front drive cars is basically the same just different sizes and bolts. im replacing both of mine on a 01 dodge intrepid 3.2 not a fun job but not that hard. If the axel want come out of trans lock a log chain on the end where it goes in trans and and tug the other end of the chain. hope this helps.

[@peterandgale]

Very helpful!

[@etokada4732]

Excellent but I won't be replacing a front axle half shaft anytime soon.

[@warrenhauge6600]

How do I check to see if I need to replace the CV joints. Have a 97 Chrysler LHS and it acts much like a rear wheel drive does when the U-joint is shot! Have never done this so need all the help I can get.

[@phuturephunk]

Clicking noise while turning is usually a good indicator. Then you have to isolate it to which side it's happening on. If you can get under the car, inspect the boots on the half shafts, if they're cracked the packing grease has probably leaked completely out and you're just grinding metal. They should be grease free if they're operating properly (because the grease will still be completely contained inside of them).

[@r100scammellpioneer9]

Excellemnt Vid, and additional experiences from comments also v useful. Thank you!

[@KevinKraybill]

Dude! I know a grip of other folks have pointed this out, but I can't help sayin those wheel studs!!!! Fix them when you've got the car up in the air.

[@mohammedgeo4269]

thanks for this video it's so useful

[@ScubaCat3]

That car doesn't need to be aligned after doing this. Only if you have those oval shaped holes going through the strut for camber/caster adjustment. And in that case, if the ball joint is serviceable separate from the control arm, just disconnect there instead. You can also disconnect the tie rod end from the knuckle and it still wouldn't need to be aligned.

[@instarx]

I agree. that car does not need an alignment. Nothing adjustable was touched.

[@michaelmclernon4929]

Toe should be checked. There is always a bit of play in the strut mounting bolt holes, and it's impossible to avoid a bit of change when reassembling.A very small movement at that point is magnified into a larger change at the tie rod end, I have always found, and I've done dozens of these. Toe can be checked in 2 minutes on the garage floor, and who knows, it might still be in spec, but if your steering wheel ends up centered in a different position then toe is off for sure. Just saying, might as well be on the safe side.

[@Redtailedhawk99]

I’m getting a vibration and it honestly looks like the transmission end of the shaft isn’t seated all the way down. Is there a way to make sure? My boots are fine no tears. My front suspension was lowered a while back to change the oil pan. And the end came out as did some fluid. I refilled the fluid and thought the end was back in place and I’m not so sure but it’s all bolted down.

[@fivestarclosetco.1157]

awesome vid, VERY informative and useful. Thank you!

[@ericf4551]

Great video - thanks a lot!

[@kaadauwgg]

About to go outside. Thank you. I almost, took the brakes off. I was saving up money to get it fixed and then it went, bad. Today. Here we go.

[@thomasaguilar8228]

This guy's pretty good

[@ejpeteje]

I have a 2005 Chevy Cavalier with a ripped boot on the front/passenger side. I pulled the axel and replaced it with a remanufactured one. Week later started making noise again, I thought it might be because it's is a remanufactured one. Bought a brand new one and it does the same thing still. And the stub shaft seems to be stuck too.

[@negocios0rsk]

Great vid!! I am trying to remove 2008 Jetta front drivers Axle - 1K0407271BP. for CV boot repair. How do I pull it from the transmission side? Ben, I see that you forced a pry bar behind it. Maybe, that's what I need to do. I saw your half-axle was similar to mine on the transmission side. Anyboddy know?? I got the axle freed from the wheel side, easily. But, wasn't sure how to pop it from transmission side. Didn't want o force anything until I was certain of method. I saw several videos that show certain VW-family years and models where 6 -each 10mm spline bolts are removed from an inboard bracket.. then, axle pops out (of course, having already freed up the wheel side). But, my axle doesn't have this. Thoughts (I know... go to VW service... HAH!)

[@Swiftboss23]

You help me so much thanks you

[@thespring5955]

damn. big help man. now i gotta go do this to my car

[@mattonearth208]

It is great video. Just wondering if any1 could help why wont my hub bolts line back up??

[@phuturephunk]

I like how not everything in the video went perfectly and it showed you having to struggle. Too many how-to's show the best case scenario. Funny thing about that is that getting a typical half shaft out can often involve the very worst case scenarios. You actually got that shaft out of the wheel hub easily..like real easily.

[@Dr.Kevorkian]

Very true. I was trying to replace the hub and can't get it off the axle. Now I'm replacing the axle just to put the new hub on.

[@jb0915]

UnHoly 666 that's a waste of money just buy a 3 or 2 jaw puller iT will push the end of axle through the hub and you only spent 20 and save a lot of time

[@Dr.Kevorkian]

I bought a 12 ton 3 jaw puller. I bought a 3 jaw puller that you can also hammer. Neither were worth a damn. I had to buy a new steering knuckle and axle and replaced it all. Problem solved.

[@jb0915]

UnHoly 666 damn must of been welded in there that sucks glad I didn't have that problem

[@andyfumo8931]

@@jb0915 rusted in and I find the hardest is pulling it out the diff

[@goodguy1504]

i have a 1995 GMC Safari AWD is the process the same to replace the axle?

[@arthurrodesiler3109]

You can use a screw driver in the vane of the rotor and let screw driver rest against the brake rotor bracket to tighten the nut also. Not a fan of letting wheel on the ground.. to do this if you have a hoist. Just makes more work and after you still should take the wheel back off and make sure everything is right.

[@NewYorker79924]

Nice video - thanks

[@antseanbheanbocht4993]

Great stuff thanks

[@randykovach9009]

I've replaced a axle driver side plenty of times this is my first time doing a passenger side sealing surface has like a extension piece of driveshaft? Got the part from junk yark um was they too lazy to pop it off for me or ?

[@brianogara2584]

I'm curious why you did not replace the output shaft seal on the transmission when you had the shaft out of the vehicle.

[@cayes6241]

if thers was some sort of oil or grease leak, how do i replace or wher do i need to put some in, if necesary, to replace what was lost, is it need for concer? i mean all my oarts are new and say theyr already lubed.

[@DubSvt-zz9tb]

hello sir, I have a 2000 KIA sephia I'm trying to replace the passenger side CV axle. For some reason I cannot get the axle pushed all the way into the transmission shaft. Also my lower ball joint keeps falling out pulling my CV axle out if the transmission shaft every time I try to take it for a test drive. Do you have any answers?