This link looks iffy, ?

http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/2g-awd-front-axle-removal-others-may-apply.100676/
See May 31, 2014 post... (last post)
http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/replacing-front-axle.479873/#post-153432863
Basic story is to jack up the car, remove wheel, strut, suspension and pull off the axel. You will need a CV boot kit and grease. A manual always helps. I am uncertain of the location of an online manual as I have a hardcopy myself. If you need I can PDF, PM you a copy of those pages.
It is important to properly install the boot with the steel bands. Or you will sling out grease. I have also seen kits that do not require removal of the suspension or axel. I am uncertain of the reliability of these.
Here is a link to regular kits.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1205873,parttype,2284
If you have no other damage other than the boot is ripped, as is possible, nothing else needs replaced. Check the CV for play though.

make sure you have the specialty tools needed. Like a big ass Axel socket, a tool to pop out the tie-rods, grease and i would replace seals while i had it out.. 5$ just to make sure its not broken is good insurance. GOOD LUCK!

The 'big ass axle socket' is a 32 mm. You can rent the sockets, but I'd advise to just buy one. An impact wrench is helpful, or a breaker bar with 4 foot 1 in. pipe to extend your breaker bar which can be had from the Home Depot. But be careful you can snap the drive ends right off a 1/2 in. drive bar. I had to go with 3/4 in drive to get mine off. Try hammering on the breaker bar 1st to shock it. If it doesn't work it's on super tight and you'll need the 4' bar. Soak in penetrating lubricant before doing this. You may need a special ratchet to tighten the straps around the axle boot. I just replaced my axle instead.

If the joint is somewhat clean and hasn't managed to get corroded/pitted from dirt and water then you may be able to just clean it out, re-pack it with grease and put a new boot on. A new assembly is only about $69 from Advance, though.

turtlebain said:

The 'big ass axle socket' is a 32 mm. You can rent the sockets, but I'd advise to just buy one.

Click to expand...

Agreed, just buy the socket. About $10-15 for a good one, about $5 at Harbor Freight. Make sure it's a 6 point impact socket.

An impact wrench is helpful, or a breaker bar with 4 foot 1 in. pipe to extend your breaker bar which can be had from the Home Depot. But be careful you can snap the drive ends right off a 1/2 in. drive bar.

Click to expand...

I used (or tried to use at least) a 1/2" 18" long breaker bar from Harbor Freight to get the axle nut off a Honda Accord my parents used to have. Slipped the jack handle over it for more leverage, put my weight behind it........ and went flying backwards about 8 feet after the end snapped off.

RamenPride said:

If the joint is somewhat clean and hasn't managed to get corroded/pitted from dirt and water then you may be able to just clean it out, re-pack it with grease and put a new boot on. A new assembly is only about $69 from Advance, though.



Agreed, just buy the socket. About $10-15 for a good one, about $5 at Harbor Freight. Make sure it's a 6 point impact socket.



I used (or tried to use at least) a 1/2" 18" long breaker bar from Harbor Freight to get the axle nut off a Honda Accord my parents used to have. Slipped the jack handle over it for more leverage, put my weight behind it........ and went flying backwards about 8 feet after the end snapped off.

Click to expand...

Same here - went through 2, and on my third replacement (lifetime warranty) I picked up the 3/4" as well. No problem taking off that nut with the 4' extension. Also picked up a 3/4" drive socket set so I'm prepared for future endeavors.

Hopefully you don't run into the same issue I did with my passenger side axle. Had to cut the axle nut off. My impact couldn't get it off and we broke the drive off of two 1/2" breaker bars and a 1/2" socket wrench. Tried heat (just a propane torch) and PB Blaster with no luck.

http://www.vfaq.com/index-main.html
Go to Drivetrain, Axels, CV Boot for visual instructions

If you're considering a split boot replacement instead of removing the axle, try diy instead with an bicycle inner tube. There's a video on YouTube. Did it for my inner CV boot and it's holding for now.