I have heard that changing the drive-shafts for bad C-V axles is something that can be done easily. I have never done it before, not seen it done, but i think i am pretty mechanically inclined. could someone please give a detailed step-by-step instructions on how to change them?

I am a college student, physics major, so i like to fix things, but i don't want to do something that will require too much expertise and pricision. I know that alot of people on here would like to learn how easy it is to change the driveaxles, so i know alot of people should appreciate if some kind person could give some good instructions

Thank You

 

Get a repair manual first.
I will not be too hard if you have all special tools(balljoint separator,strong torque ranch) when I did it, I had to remove strut assembly, but it is nor required by manual, just makes it easier. Manual is not too expensive and have detailed discription.

 

I have a Haynes. is that manual good enough?

can i rent those tools at autozone? this would be my first, so i do not want to do something that can easily be messed up.

 

the good thing is you should be able to rent them for FREE from autozone.

 

if one were to replace his brake rotors (and bearings), how many more steps would it be to replace the axles? And do I need any more special tools other than the one used to take apart the hub?

I have a clicking/ticking noise on the driver front side when going straight (is this really a sign of a bad axle/inner CV joint?), none while turning and am wondering if I should replace the axle when I replace my brakes soon.

 

Almost none. If you're lucky, you would just have to spread lithium grease to the rubber boot and onthe inside of the fork just to help pass the cv joint through the fork.

If it's too large, though, you will have to undo the fork and lower ball joint.

 

it is this easy 10 steps

1. raise car
2. remove lug nuts
3. remove wheel
4. mark relationship of tie rod to steering link
5. remove tie rod
6. pivot wheel out and remove drive shaft using a lar hammer to drive shaft out of the spindle and then use a pry bar to pull it completely out
7. insert new drive shaft and use the spindle nut to pull it into place
8. install tire rod back to mark that you made in step 4
9. install wheel and lugnuts hand tight
10. lower car and tighten lug nuts

 

Nice

 

and now how much more work is it to replace the clutch after you pull the axles out?

man, I want to get this all done at once but ehhh so much $ to replace everything at once (brakes, axle, clutch, and misc).

 

one thing left out of the 10 easy steps is drain the tranny fluid...unless u like to get messy

 

does anyone else have any other tips for changing the c-v joint?

 

yes, i do. if it is the driver's side, you DONT have to drain the tranny, since youll be pulling the axle out of the intermediate shaft (which doesnt have any oil in it...). it is an easy job, as long as you have the right tools, and there really isnt anything you can **** up (except maybe the alignment, but probably not even). Run Hatch's technique will work, but i dont think it is the easiest way. i would do steps 1-3, then seperate the lower ball joint, the steering rod ball joint, and take off the 36mm axle nut (youll need to brace the hub w/ a crowbar, and use the longest ratchet/breaker bar you can get. i have a 3 foot pipe that i slide on the end of the ratchet that i use). oh and dont hammer the end of the axle too hard, or else it will mushroom, and you wont be able to get the axle nut back on w/out grinding down the mushroom. check this pic out, someone thought of a creative, but easy way to get the axle unstuck (which is a bitch):

i think it is a harmonic balancer puller, or some kind of puller. anyway, theyre free to rent at autozone. youll also need a 2 or 3 jaw puller for the ball joints (also free at autozone... dont you love that place???). after you seperate the axle from the hub, just pull it out and repace/repair. installation is reverse than removal (though MUCH easier). i'm doing mine again (for about the 6th time) tomorrow.
to answer your question, TypeSH, the clutch job would be a much longer, and more difficult process, for removing the axles is only the first step in replacing a clutch. only a few more steps to replace the brake rotors and bearings. that is pretty easy as well (unless it's a 4th gen, where the rotors are pressed on). good luck fellas.

 

heh, that pictureis on a 6th gen though... our 5th gen rotors are also hub over rotor like your 4th gen. I dont think that puller would work on 5th gens cuz i thikn it would just damage the hub when you screw it in?