Half Shaft Removal

[Syndrome]

I’m replacing my axle half shafts because the boots are old and one is cracked. I think they’re original to the car. I have already removed all 24 8mm Allen bolts, which was a tiny bit scary because I read stories of people stripping them out and suffering for it. So I thought they would just drop out, but they would have to move about 1/2 inch toward either the wheel hub or the differential to do that. I’m assuming there is a trick to this. Can anyone please help me with this? Thanks.

[Mike W.]

They'll move. Break them loose from the flange they sit in, they may be kind of locked in place by either adhesive or years, and just lever them out. The CV joint is designed to accommodate movement in and out. Big screwdriver or small prybar like a wonderbar, if you even need that.

You might want to run a couple of bolts in loosely in say the diff side so when you get the one side out it doesn't fall in your face, depending on how you are working on it.

[Syndrome]

Hmmmm. I’ve tried a crowbar, but no love. I didn’t want to force it, but since these are garbage, I’ll try again…. Thanks!

[Zeta]

I whacked the side of each joint a couple times with a dead blow hammer and they popped right out.

[1st 5er]

While working with the pry tool it might help to rotate the wheel tire assembly, by hand of course.

[Syndrome]

Really not easy, but they’re out. Thank you.