Acura TL Broken Ball Joint

[@FaithSaraG]

Watching Wes struggle in a shop with a lift makes me feel better about my struggles on the floor in my garage. It's not always easy even for a pro.

[@donsurlylyte]

he has the right personality to do it. is ok if you cuss at it, but have to have patience and persistence.

[@bdavis12758]

Hahaha agreed! I would love to have a lift but where’s the fun in that? I love the feeling of a vehicle might fall on me bc of crappy jack stands(says sarcastically)

[@LesReeves]

@@bdavis12758 After having a lift it is soul sucking doing work on the ground ( retired spanner spinner.)

[@detornodoes]

Garage?.... Your really living it up. I have gravel and 35 degrees.... LOL

[@bdavis12758]

@@detornodoes upstate New York and center Kansas, I know your pain!

[@boe4448]

After wrenching 30+ years I wish I had a dollar every time those words escaped my mouth. " I wish the guy who designed this was standing in front of me". Don't miss it for sure. You do good work Wes.

[@dozerman53111]

Ive always said that if engineers and mechanics ever met, there would be mass murder !!!! Keep up the good fight Wes. Merry Christmas to you and family.

[@4knanapapa]

Worked at Chevy dealers for years, GM would send out advisors now and again, once when totally at wits end working, on paticularly misengineered GM crap, I voiced my displeasure to the rep, this was his reply" the designers design the car, then it's sent to engineering, making it mechanically feasible, then it's sent to money people, they in turn remove features making the car repairable as to costly", so this is why cars are hard to work on, not due to engineering, but bottom line.

[@Whistling2Stroke]

Gardening of the galaxy. Love and miss

[@bearrus2416]

@@4knanapapa Наивно думать, что компании вроде GM будут думать о вашем благосостоянии, даже если планета превратится в свалку трехлетних выкинутых автомобилей. GM в первую очередь думает о своём благосостоянии, деньги их бог.

[@davidmiller9485]

@@bearrus2416 That applies to more than just GM. Every company works that way. It's one of the disadvantages of Capitalism, Particularly late stage Capitalism.

[@tadpole9179]

@@bearrus2416 Translated: It's naive to think that companies like GM will care about your well-being even if the planet turns into a dumping ground for three-year-old discarded cars. GM first of all thinks about their well-being, money is their god.

[@danfarris135]

Glad that Im not the only one who has struggled popping out axle shafts. The ones that grind my gears are the ones that resist great feats of leverage, then suddenly release with seemingly little effort.

[@petahertz5855]

i've encountered this bs twice from different manufacturers. ergh!

[@mph5896]

I bought the slide hammer attachment. Doesn't fit in all areas but helps a ton when it fits. On that one, leave the old inner cup and use the new cv shaft with new inner parts. 😉

[@melvingibson4525]

What I've had to do which seem to work was getting a big pry bar and using it as kind of a punch at the back, hitting the striking end to push it out

[@petahertz5855]

@@melvingibson4525 I think a slide hammer if you can get it on well is op, i've used a pair of prybars typically, but sometimes what they leaver against is too delicate

[@snufl]

I've been there. Broke a puller trying to take one out, and then when hand tightening the new one, the thing popped out like it wasn't even held in.

[@KeepingitAnalog]

"Come on" has to be the most used phrase in the world. It's been a very hard year bud. Watching your channel makes me feel like I am not alone.

[@mbazzy123]

Living in the rust belt in the northeast I appreciate your showing us all the hassle of trying to do what is usually a straightforward job turning into a mess. Nothing is ever easy with rust ! Great vid.

[@Robrt32]

The amount of rust alone would make me run south unless the money is so good up there you can buy something new every few years. I got a 74 I’ve had since 85 and it’s got very VERY little rust and it mostly surface. There is no holes.

[@GregTrickey]

@@Robrt32 Apparently, the money is so good that those up there CAN afford a new car every few years. I can't even imagine spending that type of money every three years or so. My last cars were 96, 03, 10, and 18. At 2 percent or less on the loans, it was an ok deal on each one. They were all GM, since I got the family price, so no haggling (even if it wasn't the BEST possible deal). And, I got a really good trade-in price on each one. I didn't even need to try to sell them on the open market. Although I'm sure I could have come out a few thousand ahead, I didn't have to deal with the tire-kickers and other idiots.

[@calholli]

This one was literally not rusty at all; that's why it's so weird and doesn't really make sense. ???

[@silasmarner7586]

@@calholli Agreed. He commented that it wasn't very rusty. The owner WAS warned it was on the way out (or at least one on that side), so.. what was the "Rest of the Story"?

[@calholli]

@@silasmarner7586 He changed that side too. 

[@callen6893]

I always love it when you recommend safety repairs that get denied. Later the car comes back with aftermarket wheels, and other “performance” bits and still need the same safety stuff.

[@VikingDudee]

Hey, I've been there and done that to many people, my brother is worse, Bought a 98 dodge dakota I told him the u-joint needs changed vary soon, he got about 6 months almost 10,000 miles later it let go and punctured his fuel tank and beat whatever it could under there, Scrapped it and bought a lowered 2003 Mustang GT, this thing was so low it really didn't have any suspension, thought it was the coolest thing in the world, He paid too much for it, and it was put together by some people who didn't know a thing about mechanical work. He showed me the car and wanted me to put it on my lift and check it out I noticed it making a bottom end vary faint knock to it, it got worse the more throttle you gave it, I told him, bottom end needs to be looked at, probably still salvageable at that point, A few burn outs later, it threw a rod at the starter, it took the starter, pretty good one, he kept that crappy little Mustang for a few years and wanted to put a v8 in it, never did. I hate when people don't take advice and continue to learn the hard way.

[@rawalqayyum5128]

My Favorite Gen TL, recently did my daily's Ball joints, axles and lower control arms. 200k on original ball joins, zero play, no tears in the boots from a North Jersey car. Kind of a pain with rust, but very straightforward job. Ive always been lucky with axles, most people seem to struggle with em.

[@ubertalldude]

I swear Hondas get abused and neglected more than most cars because they take it without failing until something goes REALLY bad. Nice work Wes

[@mzb8134]

Even when they fail it's usually not too bad. My gf had this happen to her Acura (similar model). It happened on asphalt close to home, so she drove it about 1km back to the drive. Some how the only damage was the ball joint and the CV axle which came apart.

[@mph5896]

@@mzb8134 How does that even happen? The car must have been making noises FOREVER before it happened.

[@rkan2]

@@mph5896 if the balljoint is loaded by the spring you might not get any noises if it fails fast enough.

[@jamesofallthings3684]

@@rkan2 Ball joints don't just fail randomly, under normal use at least. The kid in this video we told he needed this done a year ago. He chose to abuse the car and now it's costing him twice as much or more.

[@rkan2]

@@jamesofallthings3684 Absolutely, but like Wes explained when comparing yo the F150 - some can fail more catastrophically than others. Some setups have the balljoint loaded by the spring like this Acura. Others have the weight of the vehicle/strut on the balljoint.

[@macsmachine]

My only comment is that you’re still the most tenacious mechanic I’ve ever seen. Excellent work.

[@jasonb6570]

"If I could find the guy who designed this thing I would punch him right in the face" Is a phrase that has been uttered in my shop more times than I can count.

[@mikenaples4046]

Wes, you seriously made my day. I fought that same CV axle on that same model car with equally frustrating results. I’m not a professional mechanic, but I do a ton of repairs. I started thinking something was wrong with me. For something so simple it sure put up a fight.

[@beckylumaluma4666]

👆>

[@publicclammer]

I'm an old mechanic and sometimes get the urge to pick up an older car just as a project and to have something interesting to do! Then I watch your excellent videos and think again!! That was a really nasty job, Wes! Well done and Merry Christmas!

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

Nice job Wes! Those power steering pumps have a suction side o-ring at the pump that fails and will cause cavitation of the fluid because the pump is higher than the reservoir and make that noise too. Thanks!

[@kc360awareness]

just replaced one today, super common

[@kentmckean6795]

Don't you love it when a seemingly "normal" component of a job, rears it's ugly head and takes over completely? That inner CV joint cup defied all logic and ability, yet, Wes overcame and persevered! Job well done.

[@rotorhead5000]

I'm actually surprised the slide hammer with the vice grips didn't do it, that's always been my go to move if the joint was already apart. The strut fork being too small to fit the inner joint through however, has been a constant point of rage for me since my first honda like 20 years ago. I like the way the suspension system handles, but damn are they stupid to fix sometimes.

[@clintprice2123]

One of my favorite newer tools is the vice grip slide hammer combo. I too was surprised it didn’t get it done.

[@rotorhead5000]

I didn't realize what the vice grip adapter in my slide hammer set was way back in the day when I first got it. It was life changing here in the rust belt once I figured it out

[@elmerfudpucker3204]

I thought he was on the right track when he grabbed two pry bars, I was surprised when that didn't do it. I like the vicegrip slide hammer too.

[@7700jessie]

I had a similar struggle with a c/v axle,....... I used a large pickle fork and it worked for me. I had spent 3 1/2 hours struggleing with it and my son actually pulled it out of my toolbox and had asked me if I tried it. I told him that if it worked I would get him some icecream,.......... needless to say we were ALL happy in the end,..... I got the job done and he got his icecream.

[@stevejohnson5837]

I feel your pain on this one Wes. I did a 2001 Accord with a failed ball joint, same side, same damage and same battle with the CV joint stuck to the half shaft. I have never before or since had such a struggle getting one of those to release. I finally got it with a slide hammer, but not without much cursing and fighting. You’re right, what a dumb design to put the full load of the vehicle in tension on the ball joint and make you separate the wish bone to replace the axle shaft. Ugh. I also replaced the brake hose, as I didn’t know how far it got stretched. Glad you won that fight!

[@recycler.]

Thanks for these times when you show us poor engineering, at least from a mechanic's perspective. 👍🏼 Makes buying decisions that much easier on used rigs. Thanks Wes.

[@mikejerrett7354]

Your right Wes, I don't think an engineer ever tried to fix some of there designs. Great repair man.

[@brianworley7705]

Depends on the company. Some send their engineers out on the production floor or repair areas as part of training, others do not. Regardless, in my history as an engineer (non-automotive), an issue is brought by said engineer to manager or design team and a compromise or decision made based on cost, likelihood of needing replaced and many other factors. I have had to design things in a manner I wasn't the most pleased with out of necessity or higher authority direction in spite of giving reasons not to go that way. Not saying some engineers don't think of repair needs or don't have mechanical experience or may not have seen where the engine was going to be shoehorned into the bay.

[@woodhonky3890]

@@brianworley7705 Dam bean counters.

[@markcollins457]

I like the comment about putting the old oil filter back on, but seeing the the lack of scheduled maintenance that oil filter is in great company.

[@marknelson8724]

Well that was painful. Glad to see you overcome something that should not have been that difficult. Also glad that the customer said to go ahead and change the ball joint on the other side.

[@Tnenamrep2]

Coming soon to Craigslist: 2005 Acura TL. Excellent condition. Low mileage. Fastidiously maintained. Gently driven by Grandma to church on Sundays....

[@krissmith850]

If you’re curious as to the performance gain from that style over the McPherson strut style, it has to do with camber change during body roll (cornering) the dual control arm style keeps the tire flatter to the road. I really enjoy the content, keep it up!

[@handyhippie6548]

this is a perfect example of why it's cheaper and easier to repair things when they go bad, rather than waiting until they completely fail.

[@robertcrossley9803]

skill versus patience, i admire your grasp of both. Thanks for taking the time to produce your you tube content . You and the family have a happy Christmas.

[@KarateSensei71]

Love when Wes wakes up and chooses violence; that was a brutal repair. I have been in a few of those and it never leaves you feeling like a winner, just like you did not lose.

[@jamesbruno5896]

The struggle is real! Nice job Wes & Merry Christmas to you & the Family!

[@dxradio33]

I want to tell you Wes, God will have a special place in heaven for you because of your endurance. There would not have been enough swear words in my vocabulary (my repertoire is quite extensive) to cover what I would have uttered doing that job. Thank you for your content.

[@gregolson1824]

Very disappointed that when using the Astro pneumatic 498 you never once said BIG NASTY, I thought you knew better. Great video as always, happy holidays

[@TgWags69]

I remember my dad bought a Ford Taurus DIESEL! Kind of a unicorn....but it needed a timing belt. We bought a Chilton manual and read the instructions....I kid you not....the very first line was "first remove engine "....That is what came to mind watching this 😂

[@johnfalco9528]

Wes thanks for another great video and showing us that Murphy will rear his ugly head to all, no one is immune from his reach. On a separate note I believe that the colder weather plays a hand in how smooth a job goes, for some reason warmer temps always make a job go smoother. Merry Christmas to you and your family and hope all goes smoothly next year!

[@garybrugone433]

I don't know what I enjoy more,the actual diag and repair...or the sarcasm. Lol,it's pretty close. That was a great Video. Stay warm and again Merry Christmas !!

[@FishFind3000]

8:23 last time I heard someone say the “Final Solution” bad things happened.

[@claudethomas8084]

Neil Koch: Dig-Drive-DIY said thanks for the camera and shop towels. I like your channel and the work you do. Keep up the great work. 😁

[@unclegreybeard3969]

WES, the guy that can sigh in 40 languages. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you and yours.

[@kimmoj2570]

Wes is most overeducated one man car shop owner between Frisco and NY. He actually can fix everything he has tools for. Kudos.

[@kimmoj2570]

We have kinda similar guy here. You bring him problem that is potentially car wrecking kinda fault. In addition you give him do basic yearly checkups. He fixed my windshield wipers for 50 Euros without parts (dealership quoted 1100 Euros just for parts, 1 month delivery from Japan and 800 Euro installation. He fixed steering column acting funny for 50 Euros without parts. He fixed exhaust for 70 Euros without paid parts (said he had some pipes laying around). He fixed overheating engine for 30 Euros. He did cylinder head job and blown head gasket for 350 Euros. No-one here even dare to ask what he does. All are just happy and drive away. The yard is always chock full of cars, and there is 3 weeks quey to get your car fixed. Everybody gives him oil/filter/brake jobs in addition the main problem, because he does miracles for pennies in THE problem.

[@kimmoj2570]

They could not fix horn just before inspection. But it was Mitsubishi. One really hard right hook fixed it and it worked perfectly for 8 years.

[@jaybrown7177]

Neil Koch says "Hey" and thanks for the camera for his channel. Great job. Thanks for sharing.

[@pb3033]

You did well for the safety that is left on this car 👍

[@SKIPWIRE1]

Similar problem with 2007 Honda Civic. Pain in the arse. Hours of my life I will never get back, need every one of those too. Thanks for sharing Wes.

[@AyFrame]

Hi Wes, can I just say a big thank you for all the great content you have provided this year, it’s been great to watch. All the best to you and your family over the Christmas season and into the new year.

[@Baystateboy125]

You gave the best example why Acura is so expensive to repair. Just like Volvo.

[@KrazyGoodMods]

Back in college, a friend of mine had this happen to him with his mid 90's Accord. Happened while he was going through an intersection. So while it was inconvenient for a lot of people, no one was injured, fortunately.

[@stxrynn]

That oil filter is a known good part. Why would you even contemplate replacing it? Oh cool! It has the audio feedback circuit in the power steering pump! That is a rare option indeed. We have a Toyota with the 100% loss power steering circuit. You just fill it anytime you want to drive it. No filter needed, always fresh and topped up. Keeps the asphalt in front of the house supple and wrinkle free. Like Noxema, or Oil of Olay, daily application yields the best results. Good on ya, Wes. Keeping the antique road show running.

[@davidcolesr.8628]

Good to see you Fella, I Wish You, The Mrs., Your Little Boy & the Pup a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.

[@eric_seguin]

A friend of about 30 years who is pretty handy with tools bought an Acura. I am no longer able to work on his car. Physically. That Turkey got on line, borrowed some tools from me, and fixed it with only 10% of his heart working. He didn't know it at the time. He is one blessed rascal. I'm glad he's my friend.

[@douglasmayherjr.5733]

Really Appreciate your Videos. I like that you show your good days and not so good days. I find that things don’t always go as planned, no matter what trade your in. I work in Commercial Industrial HVACR Service. I grew up on a farm and went to school as a Diesel Mechanic. Your Channel covers a bunch of bases for me. Thanks, Wes. You and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’m not a happy holidays guy.

[@The_Redkween]

Those damn Honda half-shafts. Thanks for showing us the struggle, Wes. We think the YT guys always have it easy, but the cars fight you the same as the common man.

[@virtuestreams2616]

One of my sons owns a 2010 TL-note to self created concerning these maintenance items. Wes, have you considered performing on open mic night at a local comedy club? I think you are hilarious and could probably create a lively routine from the eyes of the master mechanic via your life’s happenings 🤣😂🤣👏🏻👏🏻❤️🔧

[@williamhenderson9535]

After this: Wes, "Note to Self - Never do a Ball Joint repair on a Honda product!". That's why we love your channel! You're the real McCoy!!! Thanks

[@Firebird400]

I find it really helps to rotate the cv axle while tapping it with the hammer. Gets that ring in its happy place and it comes out . I went to war with a few of them before I figured that out . Might just be b.s but I find it works for me. Or gently put a wedge between the housing axle stub helps to but obviously you can’t go full caveman on it because the housing it usually cast aluminum or some pile of garbage cast .

[@CvonEssen]

Man, it makes me feel SO MUCH better seeing you struggle with the axle shaft. I have an older BMW where I gave up, cut it and just bought a used front diff. I was done asking!!

[@devisionhun]

As asked: great job putting the filter back on! 😂 I would have done the same thing. Your costs on this repair far exceed the value of the vehicle 😅

[@666cemetaryslut]

Or you could, you know, charge the customer for a new one

[@SilverScarletSpider]

thank you for not being rude and dismissive of Hondas

[@skiphill9]

I commend you on keeping this episode rate PG-13 !!!! I would have failed miserably! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

[@flyboy2610]

When I have a CV axle that separates like that, and the inner cup won't come out, I use my slide hammer with the locking pliers attachment like you did. If the pliers slip off the cup, which they usually do, I'll break out the welder and weld a bead across the inside surface of the cup. This gives the pliers something to pull against. A few good whacks with the slide hammer is all it usually takes after that!

[@dfusit]

Come for the content, stay for the snark. Great job Wes.

[@firstlast---]

Wes, a few comments. That oil filter housing is easily removable, 3 bolts unplug the two sensors and it comes right out. That would have given you a little more room. The gasket is readily available at most part stores as well. I didn't know it was possible to remove the intermediate shaft without pulling the exhaust, the video doesn't do it justice how tight it is. Well done. Acura service info states you can only replace the lower ball joints once and after that you need to replace the knuckle. I ignored that warning only to realize the press fit wasn't nearly as strong as it needed to be, they weren't kidding about that warning. Keep that in mind when using aftermarket ball joints on double wishbone Hondas they won't hold a candle to the longevity of oem parts. Before you condemn the power steering pump, replace the o rings on the pressure and return lines going into the pump. They are sold in kits and are often in stock at local part stores. Over time the o rings shrink which allows air to get past the seal causing cavitation. Perseverance is key. Frustrating jobs like this make you want to pull your hair out but the satisfaction of seeing it drive away is a huge relief. Well done

[@beckylumaluma4666]

👆>

[@eiguch]

Why do you keep looking back at the vehicle? Are you checking to see that it’s still there

[@davidcolesr.8628]

Likely just hoping it’s all a Bad Dream

[@gidge34]

Thanks for hooking up Neil, seams like salt of the earth like you!

[@mikemaccracken3112]

My brother was a Honda/Acura tech. He made a fortune on ball joints,timing belts and water pump. I watched him do ball joints and you are right they hustle.

[@mph5896]

Nobody's getting rich off .6 for a ball joint😉

[@SPW812]

What a great mechanic, not even a hint of irony in your humor Wes.

[@MrDMIGNON]

On a job that goes super long like this, do you charge hourly or book time? I really appreciate the videos Wes, Merry Christmas to your family and I hope you guys get some good rest!

[@keithrimmer3]

Good job Wes, just did my CRV ball joints they are not man enough and are the same it's best to use OEM or TTX ball joints I put mine in the freezer and warmed up the knuckle with the torch and they fall in easily the Chinese knock offs don't last 6 months It's a big problem with honda ball joints failing all the time at around 100k in the rust belt well done pall

[@OtherWorldExplorers]

The license plate was so close Should have said WKRP in Cincinnati... Only the old among us would get that joke, without googling it.

[@davidcolesr.8628]

Fond Memories

[@IO-zz2xy]

Happened to me on my Passat GLS about 20 something years ago. I was also VERY VERY lucky. It happened just as I pulled off from a stop light, still in first gear. Traffic chaos ensued but I lived to tell the tale. Had it happened 5 min earlier I would have been travelling much much faster. I now have a terrible hang up about my wheels/suspension brakes. Regards from South Africa

[@marklowe330]

I always enjoying watching. Those c clips can be a pain. And sometimes it removes the end of the shaft. Keep up the good fight.

[@davidporter2374]

Thanks Wes, once again you have proven to me thet retirement was a wise desission. Every once in a while I do miss mechanicing, but these videos show differnt

[@FlatThunder]

I have seen cars drive by house before and later found them down the road with the whole spindle assembly, wheel / tire combo separated from the car. It only shimmied a little at low speed 🤣🤣🤣. For people with custom lock nuts hide the socket in a glove by your spare tire. The glove prevents rattle and places it where you need it in an emergency. Good video Wes! 👍😁

[@mdouglaswray]

Some of those 'engineering miracles' use some wicked tricky assembly procedures. Engineers are twisty little units, best kept in cages.

[@roberthocking9138]

Your customer learned an expensive lesson, when Wes tells you parts need replacing, he’s not saying that for fun !! Lucky he and the car are not more damaged , good job

[@bobbydawson7706]

Man, what a hard job! Just love the engineering of the newer vehicles. 🤣😂. You did great

[@rustyul]

These cars are my specialty. I own five TLs. Replaced axles in at least 2 of them. Disclaimer...I live in Alabama so rust isn't usually and issue. I usually just take a tapered wedge (cold chisel) and wedge it between the case and the back of the CV axle boss (the big round thing) and tap it with a 2lb mason's hammer and it pops out. I have struggled a bit more but not anything like what you have experienced. I'll bet it was damaged from the crash making it impossible to remove. Great job keeping at it! You are a FINE mechanic!

[@pdoherty]

Love your sense of humor during your everyday struggles with rust, poor design, etc. Best wishes to you and family and keep up the good work.

[@davidvalles6677]

I heard Honda's were a bear to work on, but damn. In high school I learned to replace CV joints because they had been making front wheel drives long enough for them to start failing and boy did I get the side work afterwards because no one knew how to do it. Keep up the good work.

[@martind701]

I appreciate that when challenged you don't give up.

[@ourkid2000]

I gotta be honest......I wanted that bolt to be frozen in the sleeve. I was very disappointed to see that one come out so easy, lol. I just love watching pros deal with frozen bolts/sleeves. Great video Wes!

[@CrimeVid]

Did you see Eric O’s savage attack on a subframe attachment the other day ?

[@ourkid2000]

@@CrimeVid Yes that's exactly the kind of stuff I love.

[@erikrunas226]

Wes, after watching you and a few other techs struggle with this crap, I'm convinced the auto companies give the engineers bonuses for making cars almost impossible to work on. I tip my hat to you.

[@billm2224]

The other day in one of your videos, you mentioned a tool called a (needle scaler) Just some trivia, I was in the Navy for 24 years and we had that tool, we called it a' "needle gun" We used it to take off paint down to bare metal. I haven't seen that tool in 22 years, that brought back a lot of memories, thanks.

[@jerrycann6374]

Thanks for the memories, that reminded me of changing an alternator on my son's Honda years ago, what a nightmare

[@BlindBatG34]

Kudos on your user name Jerry.

[@jerrycann6374]

@@BlindBatG34 Thanks, I'm not a normal Jerry Can.....I have 2 n's .....I wasn't sure if you noticed the 2 n's being a BlindBat...🤠

[@mattlaptop5728]

Thanks for the time and effort in sharing your front seat on the struggle bus.

[@craigsudman4556]

I believe the Chinese manufacturer recommends a "quick rinse in fuel when reinstalling old filters to eliminate the need for excessive replacement of oil filters". Great video Wes thumbs up.

[@jantzen9183]

I’ve had to deal with the suspension my TL more times than I’d like to admit. Good tip for getting that passenger side inner CV joint out… while standing under the transmission, fit a crowbar or a long bar over the j-pipe, get the tip of it on the edge of that inner joint, then tap the back with a hammer… works like a charm every time! Great video man!

[@blakebrady9437]

I feel for ya Wes! My girlfriends 07 Sebrings right side front axle needed replaced, the axle was rusted solid to the intermediate shaft, I heated and hammered and pried but it wouldn’t move an inch, finally after a long struggle the intermediate shaft support bearing case broke, but luckily I found an updated part from auto zone where it eliminates the intermediate shaft and support bearing for one long axle shaft from the tranny to the hub, 4hr tear down for a 10min reassembly, I’ve been a tech for years and definitely have the resources but Iowa rust beats out tools most of the time

[@patrickmorrissey2271]

Nice job. I battled a few front CV deals in Northstar Cadillacs... Those are no joke. Sometimes they pop right out... Sometimes they don't.... I always thought the Ultra Pros had some kind of secret way of getting those out.... I guess not! Re: the oil filter... I'm in a different industy, but our foremen were always real firm on that... If they're not paying for it, leave it. You can tell them it needs this or that, but if they say no... You know the old saying, no means no.....

[@diyeveryday67]

Had a 2004 Acura TL manual ….loved that car!! I put 217,000 mile on it and it never stopped. Sold it and kept in touch with new owner for a few years. Hope this young owner learns to listen when told to make suggested repairs…..sadly doubt as this is often a learned behavior from other vehicle owners with poor maintenance judgement.

[@jbkbrand]

Merry Christmas to you and your family from Texas. Have a safe and wonderful holiday season!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Love the classical music at the beginning @Watch Wes Work

[@arthurbiringer5676]

A frustrating job but you prevailed! Happy Holidays to you and the family.

[@justinsane7128]

Wes is like a mafia mechanic, Don't ask Don't Tell just fix it never mind the blood and the hair

[@jeremy2283]

I had to use the blue flame wrench when I replaced the factory lower ball joints on my 98 f150 several months ago. Ball joints puller kit wouldn't budge them before that

[@richwielechowski5191]

Glad to see make make a cameo appearance! Merry Christmas to all!

[@RGSABloke]

Wes, you have the patience of a saint, critique yes, criticism never you are way too experienced for me to fob my limited knowledge off on guys like you and Eric O. On his most recent video, some morons criticised him for changing a major subframe component (it was clearly rusted out). Keep up the great vids Wes. Kindest regards from Bonnie Scotland. Joe.

[@FishFind3000]

17:35 torque test channel showed that torque sticks don’t work on electric impacts. There only good on air impacts.

[@michaelnelson912]

I realise this one was frustrating, but it brought joy to my heart... Knowing that even an experienced and talented mechanic sometimes struggles with removing a CV joint! It's not just me and my lack of skill! Good job Wes, you give hope to the mediocre.

[@tomgranger462]

I enjoy your videos, I'm a 60yo tow company owner/operator, not a mechanic, but I have and still turn a lot of wrenches. You have one tool in your box that i can't seem to find anywhere.... PATIENCE LOL, The stuff you get stuck with makes me feel a little better!

[@thebizwacky]

Watching Wes struggle on this job like I struggle on every job I ever do is extremely cathartic. Thanks for sharing your suffering!

[@alejandro77131]

Awesome video. My CV axle and lower ball joint looked exactly the same as this video. Luckily it went out when turning at a stop light so no other major damage.

[@GunfighterWyo]

Wes, you are so good at coming up with ways to make repairs! One thing that I learned about the CV joints to remove them, place a strong washer that will find inside the metal part of the joint. Before you do that, screw a slide hammer onto the washer. Then use two vice grip pliers on the outer edge of the metal to hold the washer in place. Then pop it out with the slide hammer. Did this several times on our Razor side by side.

[@jlgman51]

Wes you are a hero and a joy to watch keep it up you make the rest of us understand why most engineers need to work on the crappie way they design things.