Hey guys.
My girlfriend has a '97 maxoma (auto). How easy is it to remove the complete left drive axle from the trans?

Thanks, Dave

 

Very easy.

Get the front of the car off the ground.
Drain the transimssion fluid so it doesn't pour out when the axel is removed. It's good maintenance to change it anyhow.
Take off the wheel.
Remove the center caslte nut from the driveshaft.
Remove the lower strut bolts, take the clip out so the brake line is lose and remove the ABS cable mount if so equipped. Now the hub should be free to move around.

Use a big chissel or crow bar and pry gently on the axel at the transmission. It will come right out.

Assembly is in the reverse order. You should replace the axel seal as well. You can gently pry that out with a screwdriver. Be carefull not to damage the sealing surface of the transmission when you pry the seal out. Pry from inside the seal. The new seal should be tapped in gently with a hammer and a block of wood. Make the seal sit flush, don't push it to far in.

 

Thanks, that what i thought, but just wanted to make sure. I'm used to working on old Porsches, not newer cars.