THE BEST Subaru CV Half Shaft Axle Replacement How To on YouTube!

Subaru CV Half Shaft Axle Replacement How To Get it done. In this video we'll replace the passenger side CV axle on a 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX. The inboard boot failed form being cooked on the turbo down pipe and is wallowed out hooning. Symptoms include clicking, clunking, stinking, and sucking.
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[@bakspace2]

Quick tip to insert roll pin- the roll pin will fit snugly into a 1/4" socket on the end of a 6" ratchet extension (1/4"). Insert pin into hole and tap on the extension- the pin goes in easily with no mushrooming and is easily held in place for tapping. Tremendous video...thanks, made the CV replacement easy.

[@briansmobile1]

Great tip! Thank you! I need to put my 1/4" stuff in an easier to get to place.

[@malkeyatsingh4312]

thanks for the tip.

[@geekazoid]

Good video! I have notes. You don't need to remove the knuckle if you just pop the ball joint off and lift it away. Saves you an alignment and abuse on that ball joint too. But if you do, the torque on those two top nuts is 112ftlb. You don't reuse the axle nut, it's a single use fastener and it costs $1.50. Later in the video you use a new one but just to clarify for people doing the boots. Important: The torque for the axle nut is 137ftlbs. That is one of the more important torques to get right here. The spring pin you reinstalled in the video is not reusable. Dispose of and replace. I can see why; its a bit soft. Instead of hammering the axle (manual says NO) here is an extraction tool to press it out, autozone loans it (27037).

[@JDMAddiction-bv9mu]

As far as the nut and roll pin any decent axle should be coming with new ones I'd say. Even the $73 Napa axles I bought came with the roll pin and a new nut. Good advice though to not ignore the new parts.

[@michaelcampbell790]

Thank you for the video! I really appreciate a number of things: applicable, simplified, information; no distractions, like dogs, kids, music, etc.; great camera views!; no useless cursing; options on getting the job done without special tools. Definitely one of the best "How To" videos I've seen. Thanks again! Mike C. From Roseburg Oregon

[@stevenbley1846]

It was hard to find the exact video to walk me through my first cv axle replacement on my Forester. Made it super easy (mostly). Thanks again for saving me hundreds of dollars by doing it myself.

[@MidwestMotoRider]

No thank you Brian for mentioning my channel and more importantly for all you do in these videos I don't know if you know how super helpful they have been to me and thousands of others! Cheers and have a great weekend!

[@TechNWRO]

Brian, long time Subie pilot here and enjoy not only this video, but all the stuff you share!

[@nschaad1982]

Three times now your channel has saved my life fixing a WRX!!

[@AnthonyVasquezEndZz]

Just wanted to say that you do an excellent job explaining and reinserting the axle to explain play, etc, thanks for sharing, much appreciated.

[@dcroft65]

Wow, I had that same "smell" this spring on my NA 2004 Legacy. Thanks to your other videos, I've learned how to swap out a Subaru half shaft in about 45 min (provided it's not rusted in place). Keep up the awesome videos.

[@truckerpeterose]

First time I have ever commented on you tube. But this guy deserves a big thumbs up on this video. I have never seen a video as detailed and real world as this. Great job and thank you for taking the time to do these videos.

[@criznitty]

Trucker88 his videos have helped me do a timing belt/pump, steering rack, rough idle troubleshooting , CV axles...

[@warrenmccarty9709]

Best CV vid I reviewed. Great job! Like that you just run the vid giving us the straight up real deal. I’m a subscriber now!

[@GunFunZS]

Thank you for making this video. It saved me some easy mistakes like buggering up the roll pin, and taking extra suspension components apart in the wheel well. That was at least an hour of hassle saved. It is remarkable to me how much better thought out the subarus are in this area than other cars I have worked on. Mazda and honda both have horrible spring clips which might take come alongs, prybars and slide hammers to defeat. The roll pin, and simple linkages are so much more sensible. Plus there is a boss and a flat on the engine that one could pry against, if needed. (hondas have that too, but it isn't always a clear shot.)

[@SpencerBertrand]

Thanks for the video! One I figured out one side, the second side took like 5 min. It's also nice that the newer Subarus don't have that pin to knock out and are just popped off with a crowbar. Thanks for the great video!

[@HondaSnowblowerEnthusiasts311]

Thank You once again. just took me about 5 hours to replace axle and ball joint but first time. Your little tips saved a lot of time. Also R/R my tranny about 7-8 years ago after watching your transmission removal video about 12 times. Saved probably $1500 in both these jobs in labor. My 99 Subie only has about 300k on it. So it took awhile to remove stuff.

[@skidallarapp5430]

Brian I am Kim Hall. Been workin on cars for a long time, started with workin with my Dad. I love you! your videos are COMPLETE! tools needed, tricks only experience teaches, great footage THAT you can SEE. Bob Summeral was going to charge my sister $700 to replace an alternator on her taurus we fixed it for $120 and an hours work. She loves me more now.

[@Krillekris]

I love a proper DYI video, and this one was great. Good job :-)

[@metalmatt5777]

Great stuff and I appreciate all the effort you do in all your videos. Just an FYI for anybody that comes across my situation. My '06 impreza 2.5i has no pins, rather a C clip. You need to pry it out and center when putting the new in, also using a deadblow to make sure it seats properly and "snaps" in.

[@wyattoneable]

I liked the "poor man air wrench". Well organized, I enjoyed that.

[@pavel0mg]

I love your videos. I'm going to replace my two front CV axles today.

[@jubileefan6079]

Great video, Brian! Love your teaching style and laid-back attitude!

[@ourmoon15]

hey Brian, just wanted to say thanks for making these videos they really help especially for a beginner like myself.

[@tomwilliams2845]

Man thanks for the details in your video it makes me feel more confident of doing my own repairs. Cheers, Subaru Tom from Huron, Ohio

[@colebraman597]

Appreciate your videos man. Everyone makes car projects seem to go so easy. You actually show the realistic version

[@warrenroberts4502]

Great tutorial and down to earth approach to explaining everything step by step...a lot of thanks for posting this...

[@glampstronzartonalbee3097]

Thanks for your videos Brian, you have helped me fix various issues with my Subaru!! Keep up the great videos and keep those Subarus runnin!!

[@marvinwilkins]

Yo Brian gotta thank you son i have an 01 outback limited sedan I've had for 5 months now since I subbed your channel i have saved hella bread on repairs atleast 5k minus tools by doing it myself forever greatful thanks Brother.

[@HiddenSofa]

I always enjoy your videos, they are quite helpful! I have a 91 Legacy L that I'm working on and just swapped the fuel tank and holy cow that was a PITA. Broken rear struts are next I fear haha! Thanks again!

[@muasboy]

Your channel is one of my favorites. I usually don't have a helper. So I use a screw driver and place it in the one of the vents on the vented-rotor, then rotate the rotor until the screw driver contacts the caliper, then break the bolt. Im referencing to 2:06 in your video Btw, I like how your showing some methods without power tools. Thats how most handy-people begin (without power tools) Thanks, keep up the good work

[@rolyatknarfable]

Thanks for posting this. Just realized I'm going to have to do this on my car. Have done it before on some other cars, but was wondering how the Subaru attached the shaft at the transmission end. Nice job showing the roll pin. Thanks again.

[@stjohnsmanor]

Best video on this CV axle replacement I have found!

[@spasmonaut10]

Great video as always. Did my timing belt on my Forester with help from your videos and have a driver's side boot that's shot so I'll be changing out the axle later this year.

[@craigspakowski7398]

Hi Brian I flashed back to doing my struts on my Subaru. Same problem with the same strut bolt. Free advice to others doing this job. Penetrating oil when you order you parts and again before lifting the car and don't forget to check the brake shield before you put the wheel on. Glad the pros sometimes struggle on the same things as us amateurs.

[@mikeg8319]

Thanks for posting this, the clicking sound when I make a left turn tells me this video might come in handy soon.

[@crazyDIYguy]

awesome video, this guy is hilarious a mechanic with superb humor. thank you

[@I1S1337]

Thanks for the video! I need to do this to mine and I was worried it was going to be tough, but your video helped a lot!

[@anthonywhitlatch8282]

This is the best, most helpful video i've seen on this!!! Thx

[@bobbywheatley8709]

I did this on my '03 Outback in July. My left axle slid out of the hub assembly no problem; the right side however... nothing would let the sucker move. Tried penetrating lube (heh), heat, etc.. Ultimately had to pull the bearing and axle out, put it in a 6 ton press for it to finally pop out - so much pressure released that the tack welds on the press failed; it was terrifying. Just thought I'd share the story- maybe you've seen corrosion that bad before and have a better solution for anyone that might have a similar predicament. Thanks for all the videos! My Suby appreciates it!

[@TuRBiNeSaNdK9s]

I've seen a bunch of your videos and I'm ashamed to say I wasn't subscribed until just now, my sincere bad bruh!! I just liked and subscribed. 👍

[@jnrivers]

Subscribed for the innuendos! Seriously though great video.

[@YAMAMA-ADAM]

Wow a video I understood and not skipped, that’s some simple explaining thanks you so much👍

[@BorderlineWanderings]

Thank you so much for making this video Brian!!! I was able to follow along today and get my cv axle swapped out. Thank you again man, great video.

[@briansmobile1]

Welcome! Great to hear!

[@natedawg3483]

Excellent video, my man. I'll be replacing my the LF CV axle on my 01 Forester later this afternoon, should be a breeze.

[@maciekzdeb]

Lovin the subaru vids. 2006 wrx wagon here.

[@MrGetBad4u]

Love your videos, Brian. Very informative. Love listening to your wisdom that you teach! Keep them coming!

[@oracleintheshuffle]

thank you so much. this project is coming up for my outback and I. if only i could find a video on those differential bearings.

[@othnetwork6120]

This is an absolutely phenomenal video. Thank you.

[@TheSfifteen]

Cheers for the video. Absolutely loved it. Changed over the right side today. The o2 sensor is a pain in bum to work around.. Lol. Cheers again four the fantastic video.

[@joebriggs9599]

Thanks Brian good information. Helped out alot.

[@kG-ru6vc]

Hey Brian thank you very much because of your excellent teaching skills I have learned a lot I live in Pennsylvania and a Subaru is a plus in the winter believe it or not you made owning a Subaru easier because of your excellent teaching skills I have done all my repairs on my car and my wife's car we own the older models I have a 2007 and my wife's have a 2004 outback and we are very happy with them, thanks again and keep posting. PS iam also a subscriber.

[@jschlotterbach7130]

Appreciate the go-by!

[@ItsyaboyDT23]

I know how to fix my rig now! Great video thanks man

[@andrewpombuena8861]

Very clear much appreciated! Thanks for sharing and God Bless!

[@GLDUDE112]

I could tell right off the bat you're from Utah haha, Saint George Native here, good video man!

[@jairnava1]

Super good video! Kept it real and straight forward 💯 👌🏻

[@bobgwinn5091]

ty for showing that cam bolt and showing the curve in it for the alignment. getting ready to do mine on 2001 forester.

[@drink2mny]

I know this is old video but damn dude. This was great for my kid and me to do this to his '01.. Thank you

[@stevep7713]

I’m about to do my ‘01 forester. Good to see people still using this video as well

[@michaelhendler3871]

thanks for easy to follow common sense approach to CV axle replacement...

[@TheRoosterscrow]

Thanks for the video! I just did my front drivers side this afternoon on my 2001 forester. It probably took an hour, and it went really smooth.

[@stevep7713]

I’m about to do my 2001 forester as well, so this comment gives me confidence. Good looks

[@DKSE123]

My fozzy was a 2001 also , replacing shaft was a walk in the park

[@ToolsandTime]

Cool video and thanks for showing us how to overcome some of the trouble areas!

[@SuperDave21]

Brian, I've got to hand it to you... you've got the best disposition for this job I've ever seen.... You're a cool cat and have all the patience in the world...! Better man than I am! lol...

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks Dave, I sure didn't used to, but for all the crap I've been through two things happen. 1. I don't quit till I win. 2. It always passes if you keep chewing on it.

[@SuperDave21]

Do you remember a guy that sent you a license plate from Anadarko, OK.... Greg Delaney? I grew up with that guy in Anadarko. He's the best. Shout out to Greg!!

[@amcrae1]

Brian... thanks for the great video!!!

[@bruceinman5957]

Well done! Thanks for your knowledge..you helped me build my man shed. Modified gambrell roof. Why havent you done an automatic subi trans? I'm doing a 98 forester right now. I could def. Use your input. Thanks again! You are a great kid!

[@usafvet6766]

Hello Sir: thanks your videos are just Awesome.. you helped me with my 2005 Tahoe Z71 with the tow/haul switch.. yup the wire broke. so I did it, fixed it tour way. so easy and will never brake again. Thanks to you Sir:

[@briansmobile1]

Thank you! And happy belated Veteran's Day!

[@bees3847]

Nice to see some honest repair. Most vids dont even mention the drift pin. Heavey wheel mechanic on 1942 vehicles.

[@RAMelloh-ij5sl]

My wife overheard the "issues" comment and asked, "Who is this guy with the issues?" Me? I'm gonna try to stay low on the radar for the next hour. Thanks a lot. Great tutorial. Voted. Doesn't exactly help me with doing the rear half axles on my rear engine Sambar TT2, but close. It'll do for my 2005 LGT and the 2013 Crosstrek. My Sambar's inner spline doesn't use a roll pin, just spring ring retainer to groove inside the cup. The half axles usually pop in pretty easy, but getting the inner back off can be tough. I am about to find out how tough, one more time.

[@rehlek]

great job Brian! i like this style of video, you don't do these very often so its kind of nice

[@briansmobile1]

They take a long time to edit, upload and process. I had to do this one twice. My Subaru fans have been awesome- so of course I'm going to do this for them.

[@austenkimble3885]

Thank you Brian, I'm about to tackle drive shaft. Austen

[@Khg72]

Great video Brian thks about the tip about the inner carrier bearing play that I always thought it was backlash adjustment needed. I always use antiseize on everything that can rust so on the next job it will be easier to work on. Just my 2 cents.

[@Seth6756]

Awesome! Doing this on my '04 impreza ts wagon after christmas vacation. Also my ski lift😀

[@geigertron3000]

NOICE!!!! I neeeeeeded this vid, thankyou kind sir!

[@thatguyblue4811]

Those jacks seems sweet!

[@terrencecalnimptewa7283]

Thanks so much for your video, it's helped myself alot on doing a project on a naybors car

[@jameshill2015]

Seems like the perfect time to do the struts and wheel bearings... I just bought a 2000 Outback Legacy, 271,000 miles.. l have changed all the fluids except brake and trans which are on the list before it goes back on the road. To add to the preventive maintenance.. ball joints, tie rod ends, new sway bar links.. l have spindles with fresh bearings, struts and HD CV shafts all the way around on the way, l did the AC compressor and alternator.. l am doing this because the car has no sign of being in an accident, frame is straight.. the differential fluid was fairly new, the intake gaskets looked as if they are new and we're clean on the edge leading me to believe the head gaskets have been done recently but when l checked the timing belt, the print was very very clear and was recently done leading me to believe that the water pump and all the pullys for the belt were done. The motor has zero knock or piston slap and purrs like a kitten so l think the car is worth the labor l put into it. Hell $500 for the car (interior is MINT) and another $1200 in parts l think it's worth it. The woman that owned it passed and her son knows nothing about what was done to keep this car on the road but 271k says she's done her part. Anything l maybe overlooking? I am concerned about the cat, exhaust looks original, but it's been in Miami it's whole life and it being stainless it's really hard to say but that will be the only possible issue l have left.. the power drivers seat won't go back or forward but does go up and down.. l think motor is toast. Great vid that's about to help out when stuff shows up. Thanks!

[@Ballenxj]

Yup, this is one of the better CV shaft how to videos. Thumb up. ;-)

[@Badgertronix]

Good job Brian

[@XDHoowee]

I love your outlook on life 🤣 I totally vibe with that.

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks Jess!

[@stephenschoepflin1585]

I love your videos thanks man

[@don-cw1yz]

I have replaced my 2006 Subaru Outback half-shaft CV axels a few times. I used to remove the old ones and reboot. I found Rock Auto has a Trackmotive Heavy Duty CV axel that solves a lot of problems with Subaru CV axels. If you go to their website it is explained. But they are designed to articulate more. I also remove the CV axels a different way : Once the car is on jack stands I pop the ball joint, then remove the sway bar link, then with the rotor and calliper/calliper bracket removed the CV axel is easy to remove. You just get the CV axel level and a quick tug and it pops out. The 2005 and up don't have a pin that holds the CV axel in place. They have a metal ring that holds the CV axel in place. The splines are on the CV axel. To put the new one on just line it up level and insert into the hole. Just rotate till you feel the splines are lined up and a quick push locks it in. You have to make sure it goes in all the way. Just reassemble the sway bar link, ball joint, and brake parts. Some people say that non-OEM Subaru axels will vibrate. I found that the Trackmotive Heavy Duty CV axels were just fine and have not experienced any vibration. Here is a description of a good way to do what I am talking about and also a good way to replace ball joints. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIS7dZ2mna-sjbM

[@SushiPac]

Brian great video!!!!

[@dwphillips42]

thanks for showing step by step.

[@eltipoboricua]

Great info, great process, big thanks!!

[@TyCrawford]

That 19mm bolt on the knuckle is a nightmare. I tried getting knuckles off of a Legacy in the junkyard to do a disc brake swap on my 95 Impreza Outback Sport rally car project, and I brought everything 19mm that I owned, and broke a GearWrench, my two favorite (and only) 3/8 Craftsman ratchets, and every cheap ratchet I had collected over the years. I walked away empty handed and pissed off, and luckily we've got a pretty good import shop here in St. Louis, and the guy was able to get me WRX bugeye era rear disc knuckles, calipers, pads, rotors, hubs, and trailing arms for a pretty solid price.

[@Texas183six]

YOU THE MAN !!!!! Thank you

[@marcicarrington3863]

This guy is way cool.He is no joke straight up.I am a chick an going to try to attempt this job an fell confident that I can fallow along with this mechanic.Only one thing I am sure it would be hard to get the camera in at some angles but I would have liked to have seen were he was hammering it in at underneath when the first part of the CV joint is going in I mean would have like to seen where he was hitting otherwise excellent thank you. Wish me luck

[@merkur8777]

Unless I missed it, I didn't see any mention of the roll pin hole orientation with the inner CV joint and the stub axle protruding from the transmission. The CV joint is dimpled; true enough. The stub axle is also dimpled and the dimples must be on the same side. Get them 180 out and there's a real risk of doing major damage while trying to insert that roll pin. I've seen several Subarus towed in with ruined transaxles because someone was trying their damnedest to beat a roll pin into place with the dimples 180 out. With the holes a 180 out they may appear to be aligned but they are not. Enough whaling with a BFH and the front differential gets ruined or the trans case gets cracked; or both.

[@borkganza9627]

What do you mean by dimpled?

[@bwhip]

@@borkganza9627 The hole mouth is chamfered (or counter sunk).

[@Jumbo984]

Great stuff.....keep it up!

[@chrisreichard4691]

Great and helpful video. Used it as a guide for this project on a 99 Forester. Thought I’d mention for people that access to the roll pin on the inner joint is difficult on the passenger side from below due to exhaust pipes. I found it easier to access it from the engine bay after removing some of the air intake piping/parts. Brian, was wondering if you like the quick jack? Does it provide enough height to work on it underneath? Since other people asked this, I got a good rebuilt axle from a place in Denver called CVJ Axles. They sell rebuilt originals and I think they will ship.

[@nickle87]

For anyone else stuck on this/new to auto stuff (like me): That bottom strut bolt took me roughly ~400 ftlbs of force (used a 1.5ft with another ~1ft cheater) after letting it soak in b'laster for a day. I thought my breaker bar was bending, before it gave way.

[@paulnorth9107]

Great video,thanks mate

[@msredneck001]

"Like the irst one to date a girl, no issues!" Lmao, great stuff!

[@nwedrick]

I found that when I did the CV axles on my mom's Subaru it saved time and I didn't have to worry about alignment issues by taking the lower ball joint loose and the tie rod end loose right at the spindle. I had more than enough room to swhing the spindle out of the way to slide the axle stright out. I did both passenger and drivers side.

[@Chris-Fennimore]

Yep, that's the way I did mine. Left the cam bolts alone. No worries about alignment.

[@bbogdanmircea]

009to090 That s a great idea I don t know why this guys don t do it this way . I guess for them alignment is cheap ...

[@eianwahgener7623]

awesome suggestion. I have a lifted outback and i had to use grade 8s instead of camber bolts to deal with the extra camber from the lift... and then i have to pay for a new alignment after i put a new axle in, and i've replaced axles a bunch up front.. i shall try this method next time.

[@eianwahgener7623]

didn't even take off the antisway link?

[@Silver_Hawk.]

use OEM axles for the lifted outback, should for a standard too, ive got a lifted an in a big community of people with em lifted and all have tried the after market axles to just have them fail pretty quick compared to OEM.

[@brianaimee]

Damn! He knows his stuff!

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks Bri! Now you do too!

[@franciscoromero3011]

I have to say.. that camara angle when you took the pin off.. GREAT JOB..

[@briansmobile1]

Thank you Francisco- glad you noticed ; D

[@kevinbrislawn5918]

your funny and good to listen to.

[@MtnDad]

Great video, thank you!!!

[@berniepokorski2489]

I had a stubborn lower ball joint anchor bolt on my 2001 Forester. I live in California, but I know that this Forester spent some time in 'rusty' Massachusetts, due to it having a "Tufts University" parking permit decal on it rear quarter window. I used a 1/2" breaker bar and socket to try removing the stubborn bolt..... it still would not break loose. I put a "cheater" pipe over the lower handle of the breaker bar, and that attempt snapped the hex head off if the lower ball joint bolt, flush with the surface of the spindle. I tried to drill into the snapped-off bolt to use an easy-out, but found the steel in the bolt to be next to impossible to drill into. Fortunately, I have 2001 Subie Forester 'salvage=titled' (parts car) here, so I wound up swapping the spindle from the parts car on onto the good Forester.

[@hossmonkey1]

Surprising part is, a replacement CV Boots would cost about $40, but you can replace the whole axle, new, for under $90. Thanks for video!

[@salamalycoom]

Very well done.

[@britonmarrett796]

Great video! I honestly wanted to see the step-by-step reinstallation. Great vid though

[@DShorb20]

Great video!!!