Rear Half Axle removal

[tcbberger]

I am trying to remove rear end, both axles have been disconnected from wheels, I just can not get the axel to pull out from the rear end. I know there is a circlip holding it inside the rear end and the axle requires somewhat equal pressure when pulling to get the circlip to collaps and release the axle. I know ford says to use a rotunda tool OTC205-502, I am willing to buy this tool at over 100.00 but evrybody who lists this tool says they have to special order it. Does anyone know a supplier that has them instock, or even better , does anybody know a better way to release the axles?

 

[swetrid]

Its not the proper way but sometimes that tool wont release anyways. You can hit right on the inner joint right where it meets at the axle housing with a hammer. It will pop them out but be careful not to hit aluminum housing and it does take some power with the hammer.

 

[tcbberger]

I did try with a 10" chisel and about 2 lb hammer hitting on the metal part of the cv joint and it did not move, but pehaps I was not using a big enough hammer. There is very little room to work, so I think I will try again with maybe a 5 lb hammer. Should I be using a chisel or just hitting the inner cv joint directly with the hammer?

 

[tcbberger]

I finally got my rear cv axles out , thanks to help of a 5 lb hammer, anyway these axles have 240,000 miles on them, they still look ok , but cv joint is very loose, feels like internal grease is past it's life expectancy. To and injury to insult, on the axle where it sits on the rear end bearing, it looks like it is slight scored. Don't worry I am going to R&R the rer end. So that being said, I think I need new rear cv axles, problem is , when searching for these axles, you would think I was looking for a rare diamond, nobody seems to carry them, new or rebuilt , for some reason fronts are no problem to find. I know I can always get them from the dealer, but I was wondering if anybody new of a reasonable place to get new or rebuilt. I know I will have better results with rebuilt. I am looking to spend no more than 125.00 each.