Outer cv joint...

[lipunx]

My outer cv joint on the drivers side is lookin and sounding pretty shabby. I'm either going to take it to the shop or do it in my driveway. How much of a pain in the ass is it to change? Also if I do wind up taking it to a shop how much should I expect to pay?

Thanks in advance...

[burn_your_money]

Do it yourself. It's a very simple job, just it can be a pain to do it sometimes. You need a torque wrench in order to get the outer cv bolt tight enough, otherwise your bearing will fail. I find it's easiest to loosen the inner CV joint from the axle flange by having the car jacked up (with jack stands) and someone inside the car operating the brakes. Because of the CV boot you need to rotate the tire in order to gain access to all the bolts. So loosen the one bolt you have access to, spin the tire by hand then have your helper step on the brakes to stop the wheel from spinning when you go to loosen the bolt. Installation is the same as removal. Lubricate the outer cv joint/splines with lithium grease (or other) and slide it in.

First time I'd imagine it would take an hour, after that 15 minutes probably.

You need the 12 point 8mm (I think) tool to remove the CV bolts. Vise grips will work if you strip it. I always hammer the tool into the bolts to make sure it is fully seated.

[Mr_Diesel]

I agree with burn... do it yourself. I also second everything he had to say. It does take a 12 point 8mm tool... availible in a 4 pack at auto zone, checker, schucks or kragen for about 10 bucks.

Expect to pay about 45 dollars labor (per side) along with cost of parts. Probably 250-300 to have a shop do both sides.

[lipunx]

Ok I ordered the parts F the shop I'm doing it myself!

[burn_your_money]

Good call

Some people say you need to drop the control arm or remove this part etc etc. All you need to do is turn the wheels and you'll get it to a point where the axle will slide out. Sometimes I have to use a hammer and extension to tap the outer axle out of the hub.

[Mr_Diesel]

Yeah, it's rusted on the splines sometimes. Ideally use a pointed chisel and place it in the hole in the middle of the axle and whack it with a small sledge... If you whack it with anything else you could mess up the threads. You will find it will be very difficult the first time, but every time after that, it will be cakewalk... Just remember, don't force anything and take your time...

If the only piece of advice you take from me take this:

USE BRAKE CLEANER AND CLEAN OUT THE HEAD OF THE BOLT BEFORE YOU TRY TAKING THEM OFF!!!!!! They are gummed up with grease and dirt, and you will strip out the head of the bolt. Clean them out with brake cleaner and a small screwdriver so your 12pt 8mm tool can get a good solid grip.

I have also found that using an impact wrench makes this part 1,000 times easier and faster. (if you have one of those)