Help!! Can't get pass cv halfshaft out past stabilizer link

[jkarecki]

I got the passenger CV halfshaft out of the front differential on my 1997 explorer but I can't get it past the stabilizer link and shock. I tried to take the stabilizer link off but the bolt keeps turning. What do I need to do to get this thing out? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mr2fix2it]

cut the link with a sawsall it has to come out

 

[JDraper]

Did you put a wrench on the nut at the bottom of the stabilizer link bolt? It doesn't thread into the A-Arm

 

[jkarecki]

I got the nut off but the bolt just spins. I tried hammering the the bolt upwards, prying it up with a screwdriver, PB Blaster, and it won't come off. I rather not cut it since it still looks good.

 

[JDraper]

If it's stuck like that, it's most likely corroded to the inside of the spacer...hack it off. A new set of stabilizer link bolts is about $15 from most parts stores.

 

[jkarecki]

ok thanks for your help.

 

[Elessar65]

What he said ^^^

Just don't break the bolts off in the frame cause you'll either have to drill and tap new ones, or never have a front sway bar again. Ask me how I know....

 

[jkarecki]

Where would be the best location to cut the stabilizer link?

 

[Joe Dirt]

Check my thread, I had to cut mine too: CLICK ME

 

[jkarecki]

How do you get pass cv halfalf shaft past shock

I can't get my passenger side CV halfshaft (1997 Explorer AWD) out past the shock. I removed tie rod and swaybar but the halfshaft is unable to come out because the shock is in the way. None of the repair manuals say anything about removing the shock. Has anyone done this that can help me? Thanks!!

 

[Turdle]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187964

 

[jkarecki]

I removed the lower nuts on the shock and was able to get the half shaft out. Now another problem arose. A long gear like piece came out of the differential with the halfshaft. I looked at the repair manuals and I don't know what it is. What is it and how do I get it off the halfshaft? Thanks.

 

[Turdle]

That "should" be the inner axle shaft. It should slide out of the inner cv

When re installing I would do it just like it came out-being careful to align the inner splines to get it to go all the way in. Also-don't let the splines slide on the outer seal as they may cut it.

In fact--you should replace this seal. Then wrap the splines with a sheet of paper, and slide it in. Using paper between the splines and seal will help prevent cutting the seal. Those splines are sharp-


once the splines have passed the seal pull the paper out and shove the axle the rest of the way in, while rotating it to align the splines.

 

[jkarecki]

It seems to be locked in place. How do I get it off safely?

 

[jkarecki]

I got it off. As always Thanks for your help.

 

[gavin]

FWIW, it gets "stuck" because the cv shaft "locks" onto the intermediate shaft that goes from the diff to almost the end of the tube.

When you get it out far enough, you can take a pry-bar and pry the cv shaft off the intermediate shaft. It's a bit of a PITA, but can be done (as I have done that several times).

 

[jkarecki]

Thanks for everyones help. Got the halfshaft on and all seems good. The remanufactured Cardone was very tight going into the hub. It would only go in halfway. I was able to get it to seat flush after screwing on the axle nut. After the test drive all appeared ok. However, as I was pulling left out of the driveway I heard a loud pop! It never happened again during the test drive. Drove about 3 miles and made sharp turns but no more pops.

Is that pop normal after installaton????

And again thanks for everyone's help. This board is awesome and has saved me thousands in labor costs!! Hopefully the halfshaft lasts, boots seemed cheap compared to the original ones.

 

[gmanpaint]

First thing that came to mind was the axle shafts were not lined up and not together until you moved it. That might have been the "POP" you heard. If that was the case, you need to do the following......

Jack up the front end & take your tire off. Re-torque that axle nut. There may have been some play left after those axles came together all the way.

Check everything you removed as well. Pay close attention to the caliper bolts as well.

 

[jkarecki]

Thanks, I will check those things.