CV Axle Replacement

[Boxy]

Hey guys, so I did a little bit of research and read a few of the previous threads. Found jcrabb's write up on replacing a CV axle, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for it.

My question is, do you think someone like me who only has experience changing tires/brakes should attempt to swap out my CV axle? My dad and I are both pretty mechanically minded but this would be a first for us both. I don't know whether to take it to a shop and get ripped off for ridiculous labor hours cause they're back there whacking off, but I also don't want to die while driving cause I didn't do it right.

Also, how much harder is the drivers side than the passenger side? All the write-ups I've seen show passenger side and not drivers.

Thanks,
Boxy

 

[Hondaintegra99]

IT is MUCH MUCH easier then people put it out to be..

The only really important part is to make sure ur axle snaps in that last 10 percent when u put it in. and make sure your seal is in correctly and isnt ripped when put in.

 

[Boxy]

IT is MUCH MUCH easier then people put it out to be..

The only really important part is to make sure ur axle snaps in that last 10 percent when u put it in. and make sure your seal is in correctly and isnt ripped when put in.

Haha okay because most everything I've read talks about how difficult it is and its made me kind of nervous!

Also, noob question, but what do you mean by the seal? I've never looked at a CV axle in my life, just want to make sure I know what you're talking about.

 

[Boxy]

Bump still looking for tips and advice.

 

[Merlins Beard]

The drivers side cv axle goes straight into the transmission, which is filled with fluid. To keep the fluid in the transmission there is a seal where the input for the axle is, similar to an o-ring. I didn't replace my seal when I put the engine in my car (didn't even think to replace it) and now the trans fluid is all over my driveway and the bottom of my car. The hardest part about replacing the axle is actually getting it to come out of the transmission.
A few tips from my experiences:
-when removing the axle, do not pull on the shaft. this will separate the cv joint and cause a huge mess
-to remove the axle nut, first remove the center cap on your wheel and the dust cover over the nut, then use a screwdriver or chisel to remove the notch in the nut, place the wheel back on the car and put it back onto the ground, use a breaker bar to then loosen the nut
-always use a new axle nut, they are a one time use part