Front CV Axle - Repair or Replace??

[jimEMT]

Found I have a torn outer driver's side CV Boot...question comes is do I replace the boot or should I replace the axle? 130k on it. Bigger question...are there any detailed how-to's of HOW to remove the axle to repair it? I've searched the threads on here and found nothing....how intense of a job is it to do? Have to replace the upper bal joints soon, was thinking of doing it at that point.


-Jim

 

[gamecocks]

replace, and its not too hard ( shouldnt be atleast ive done cv's on a few cars before) and while you do the upper BJs would be a great time

 

[gamecocks]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187964&highlight=replacing+CV+axle
i know its for a 2nd gen but pretty much the same set up

 

[airic]

Just replaced the passenger side axle and seal this past weekend.The job wasnt to bad.Just needed a few specialty tools.Need to replace the driver side soon

 

[jimEMT]

Any advice or pointers based on your experience? What specialty tools do you recommend? Did you buy an OEM replacement CV or if aftermarket what brand?

 

[airic]

I had to use a tie rod puller on the upper ball joint,hub puller to push the axle through the wheel bearing and I used a CarQuest axle.

 

[03 Explorer XLT]

I did mine on the driver side when I replaced the wheel bearing. Getting the upper ball joint apart was tough even with a ball joint fork. It would be a good idea to replace the axle seal while you're in there, mine started leaking a few months after because I didn't think to replace it.

I got whatever Advanced Auto sells. The nut it came with didn't have a flange on it, so I had to get a big flat washer. I found that a short, thick pry bar worked well to pop the axle out of the differential.

 

[airic]

Using the tie rod puller on the upper ball joint made it easy.Changing the seal is a good idea and also the sway bar link.