Squeek in back - Torn CV Boot...Axle easy to replace?
 

I've spent the last 2 weeks trying to find a squeek that sounded like it came from the passenger seat or the back seat. I checked the front suspension...greased everything again. lubed all of the hinges in both seats, the seat rails and the back seat hinges...No Joy!

Today I got out of the car and heard the squeek as I stepped on the ground...after pushing on the back bumper, jacking up the car and taking the rear passenger wheel off, SPLIT OUTER CV BOOT.

The CV joint is bone dry and after looking through the threads, I'm going to replace the axle, as you can't replace the outer CV on an 87. I don't want to take a chance with the CV by just greasing it and installing a new boot. Plus, from the threads, it is easier to just replace the axle.

Now my question, is it really just a bolt in operation to replace the axle? I've checked 101, bentley and the bbs and it sounds pretty easy. Any hints and am I missing something.

Thanks.

Dave

I think the only hard part is the axle to hub nut requires a lot of torque.

Dean is right. You need 320 ft-lbs of torque to tighten the axle nut, a few more to remove it. This takes a 3/4" drive tool, not a common toolbox item. But other than that, it is really easy to replace.

I did this job a few weekends ago and it was very easy. Borrow someone's Snap-On cordless impact driver to get that axle nut off.

Just a thought, but if it squeaked when you got out (presumably the car and cv joint weren't moving at the time), I would check out the rear suspension first before replacing the axle. Does it squeak when you bounce the rear end up and down?

Re: the axle replacement - did this myself when I found a ripped boot and dry joint. Pretty easy job. Make sure you torque the flange bolts correctly and use schnorr washers. Flailing, semi-attached axles make a real mess underneath.

Argo
88 Targa

Argo,
When I push up and down on the rear bumper I get a clunk. I just put on new bilsteins last winter but didn't touch the bushings or other rear suspension parts.

What else might it be...if the new axle doesn't fix it. I put my finger in the boot and the cv is dry.

thanks.

Dave