I have a '96 Maxima and it has not given any problems until recently. When I raised the car to change oil, I found both outer CV joint boots are torn. Grease is all over the place, on the boots, wheel wells and shield guard. One just has boot crack and the other one's boot is open. I can see the grease in the torn boot. But I have not heard any road noise from the joints. I have not driven the car much over the last two months 'cuz I have other cars and I'm trying to sell it.

I read through the FAQ under "http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/401" and it is very helpful. I can do most of the work, but not quite sure about a few things.

1. How hard is it to remove the axle nut off the hub? I have a reversable torque wrench that can go up to 250 foot-lbs and that is the only big thing I have access.

2. How easy/hard is it to remove the axle from the transmission? Do I need to put in something to hold the gears in place?

3. How hard is it to take the joint off from the axle? I do not have a table vise and I'll have to hold the axle by foot or hand.

I'd appreciate any help you can give. I just found this great forum to answer some of my questions on the Max.....

 

Anyone can shed some light?

 

1. Just use a regular wreng and stick a pipe on top of it, it will give you the additional leverage (or you can use a jackstand to press the wrench up)

2. The axle should just pop out of the tranny after you remove everything attached to it, a pry bar helps

3. Don't replace just a boot. There is **** inside the cv joint and it's going to go. If you are planning on selling that car you can buy specail joints that hook around the axle with little nuts alot less time consuming, but I would much rather just buy a rubuilt axle from autozone for $55

 

i just had to replace both of the axles in my car, paid like 250 for it but it was sooo much easier then doing it myself, took the mechanic almost 4 hours because the greese was makign it hard to get a grip on anything