Changing axle question. Take a look!

[jbripps]

Hi all,

I just took out my rear passenger axle, it wasn't so bad. I'm trying to DIY many of the "easier and accessible" jobs. Anyhow, I have an early '85 car, so I needed to take out the existing axle to find out what size I had, it's the 100mm diameter.

I'll order the part now. My main question is whether I need to salvage any parts from the old? (besides the bolts of course). I'm ordering the entire axle so I can minimize the work. The car needs it anyway. Will I need to grease anything at all? Is it true that I will just need to put the new part in place of the old? I did notice that both ends have a thick part that separates from the where the bolts go (the parts with loads of grease). Any help or input is greatly appreciated. Yes, I have Wayne's book, but it's pretty vague on the whole axle replacement....is it that easy?

regards,

[Paul Thomas]

Your half-shafts (axles) should have a cap over each end keeping the grease in and dirt out. If you are buying whole new ones from somewhere, it should be just a matter of swapping them out with the new ones. Make you keep track of any washers along with the bolts.

Why are you replacing them in the first place? Did you tear a boot? I only ask because you could save ALOT of money if you cleaned and re-packed the CV joints yourself. It is a dirty job though, and possibly more than you are interested in.

Paul

[jbripps]

Hi Paul,

Yes, torn boot and a lot of noise. I got a red flag at my tech inspection for my upcoming DE at Pocono. It has also had some play for the past 2 years. I'm not too sure I would be able to pack them again to a safe standard. I don't want to worry too much at 145 mph, ha.

regards, and keep 'em coming.

thanks,

[einreb]

I replaced the axles in my '88 because of a torn boot. Overkill in some ways, but the high milage helped my decision.

The axle/cv assembly from Pelican included the bolts. The job was pretty straightforward. The only odd thing was the huge torque requirement on the axle nut (not sure if your '85 is the same, sorry). Good excuse for me to buy a 3/4" socket set. Make sure to properly torque all nuts at the trans. Having the axle come off at speed would be a pisser.

Enjoy

[Jim Smolka]

After you install the new joints and drive the car for 100 miles, retorque all the CV bolts