I just looked through some DIY threads on changing out the axles on my 97 Civic. I am the original owner of this car. It has 245k miles and runs great. However, it has started the telltale pops and grinds when turning. This job looks very doable to me, but I have a few questions.

1. Where is a good place to buy replacement axles? I'll probably want to do both sides.

2. How much should I expect to spend to do this myself?

3. What else should I consider doing while I've got it apart? Struts? Ball Joints?

 

1. I got mine at a local auto parts stole. Some say remans are crap but ive never had a problem with them.
2. I think I spent between 70-80 on mine with core change
3. Anything that needs replacing down there you might as well take it out in the first punch

 

I use refurbished axles that carry lifetime warranties from auto parts stores. Call around for the best prices.

Consider replacing the oil seals in the differential to avoid leaks.

This tool is great for separating ball joints.

 

Often the hardest part about this job is getting the axle nuts off. Everything else is usually cake.

I got NEW axles at NAPA with lifetime for $80 each, that was 4 years ago don't know if they still cost the same. I've put ~30K miles on them so far.

x2 on the oil seals, usually about $7-$10 each. Other than that, check front end components for play/wear (wheel bearings, upper/lower ball joints, bushings and tie rods). There are YouTube videos that show you how to check these parts, in case you don't know how. Inspect brake system and shocks for leaks.

 

I can see the axle nut being the hardest part of the job if you live in the Salt Belt. Outside the Salt Belt, however, this step is short work for a breaker bar.

 

Here in iowa you best be prepared for a battle royale with that axle nut

 

And a little copper anti-seize makes it a non-issue from then on.

 

You just need some leverage to get those axles nuts off. I got a ~4' piece of black plumbing pipe that fits over the end my 1/2" breaker bar. Like butta.

 

Haha, way ahead of you man. That was one of the first things I did to my car. I help a lot of people out with their cars. Kroil and a cheater bar is usually required.

 

It helps if a buddy pushes/gives a love bump on the end of the axle with a wood block and sledge to pop the c-clip back into the diff when installing the new axles. Just be sure to guide the axle in carefully to avoid damaging the seals. Inspect the sealing surface area on the new axles for burrs scratches at the time of purchase.

 

Maybe not a sledge... but more like a good dead blow hammer and a block o wood