Dealing with CV Axles During Drivetrain Removal.

[Tanro]

I'm pulling out my engine in the GST to through on a Saturn Alt, New Headgasket, ARPs, and do a timing belt job.

My question is how to best deal with removing the CV Axels on the wishbone suspension without seperating the balljoints, unless I really have to.

I am quite clueless with wishbone suspension.

Alright Glad to know tuner's has an abundance of knowledgeable mechanics.

Some people over at SEDSM hooked me up with the swiftness.

2 Methods on how to do this.

Remove axle nut.
Remove both bottom ball joint nuts and break loose both bottom ball joints.
Remove tie rod nut, pop tie rod out of steering knuckle.
Remove upper ball joint nut and pop upper ball joint out of steering knuckle.
Remove bolt from strut "fork" where it connects to steering knuckle.
Pry CV axle out of transmission so that it "pops" out, but still stuck up in tranny.
Pull steering knuckle out of the bottom ball joints, wrestle steering knuckle to the side while pulling CV axle out of the wheel bearing hub.
Once axle is out of steering knuckle hub, you can now pull axle out of tranny since it's already "popped" loose.



Side note: Be careful not to put stress on brake hose.

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I always leave the ball joints connected and unbolt the other lower suspension arms from the frame. I don't like messing with ball joints if I don't have to. If you do this method, you will also have to disconnect the wishbone suspension from the lower stabilizing arm (through bolt) to get the suspension to swing out enough to get the axle out of the hub.

 

[twicks69]

For my 2G AWD, I am running aftermarket brakes and lines, so my way may be slightly different.

*Remove axle nut.
*Remove upper ball joint castle nut
*Remove tie rod end castle nut
*Remove lower strut wishbone mount bolt/washer/nut.
*Use your prybar (or two) and a hammer to "pop" each axle from the transmission.
*Make sure you have free movement of the brake caliper and wheel speed sensor wires to pull the upper spindle (upper ball joint mount) down and outwards. The axle should easily be freed.

Once you remove the outer CV joint from the wheel hub assembly, you can fish the axle out of the strut mount wishbone by lowering the lower control arm and moving the strut mount wishbone away from the control arm to give you access to remove the axle entirely.

It is a quick job IF all your fasteners are in good condition.

I would also strongly recommend replacing all the fasteners when you reinstall the axles.

Here are a list of fasteners for your application (2G FWD):
*Upper Ball Joint Nut: MS440002 (M10x1.25)
*Front Strut Lower Wishbone Bolt: MB871888 (M12x1.5 x 92.5mm)
*Front Strut Lower Wishbone Washer: MS450044 (M12)
*Front Strut Lower Wishbone Nut: MF430123 (M12x1.5)
*Tie Rod End Nut: MB122128 (M10x1.25)
*Tie Rod End Cotter Pin: MF472054 (M2.5x25mm)
*Axle Spacer Washer: MB109025
*Axle Lock Nut: MB109029 (M22 x 1.75)
*Axle Cotter Pin: MF472087 (M4 x 40mm)

Hope this helps!