Help Removing 2002 Front Drive Axle

[kickitagain]

I'm in the process of changing out my front bearing hubs and thought I'd change the front CV axles while I'm at it. I followed steps in my Haynes manual but I'm stuck. I removed the wheel, brake caliper and bracket, disk, hub, disconnected knuckle from upper control arm, tie rod, and stabilizer linkage.

The manual indicates that I should be able to push the axle in while moving the knuckle out and there should be clearance to remove. No matter how I move it there’s just not enough clearance to get it out.

Am I missing something? What’s the trick?

 

[clarks2001]

I would like to know this too...as I have a busted CV joint and need to swap the front passenger axle out.

 

[jrford]

i don't have my book (FSM) with me, but i'm under the impression that the whole knuckle has to come out. . .

 

[kickitagain]

i don't have my book (FSM) with me, but i'm under the impression that the whole knuckle has to come out. . .

Thanks for your reply. I think you're correct and there must be an error in the Haynes 2002 2003 manual.

I ended up changing out only the front hub bearings. I'll change the axles with the ball joints when it gets a little warmer. Bearings were the immediate problem. 161,000 on the org front bearings. Rear failed at 78,000.

 

[gfestian]

Release the knuckle from the upper and lower ball joints and pivot (with support) on the tie rod. Had to remove/replace the sway bar to get the joints past the strut.

When you go to replace the CV Axle, I found I had to jack up the opposite side and have a helper rotate the wheel back and forth to get the spindle to go in.