MY '97 needs cv joints. Is it a job that can be done by myself or are there special tools involved ? How long would it take to do?
It looks like I am going to have to go for the entire axle assy.

J wyles

 

www.motorvate.ca

 

That site doesn't show how to replace the joint but only how to replace the outer CV boot. I suggested that he added a how-to on changing the joint itself but he hasn't responded yet...

 

Your right,
Not a lot of detail there to do the whole job.
I have looked at a Haynes manual and there is not alot of detail there either. I don't want to drop about $400 for a garage to do the job if it's not that difficult.
So if anyone has the details on what's involved let's hear it.

J Wyles

 

honestle what i have found for simplicities sake is go to advance auto parts or a store like it and buy a whole new axle. THe price and the labor intensity of the job decreases. changing the axles in your driveway only takes a few hours. I have done this on 2 vehicles so far.

 

That looks like the way I am going to go. Complete axle assemblies.
Have you done them on your Max?
I have a 5 speed if it makes a difference.

 

its not worth the time of disassembling the CV joints when the axles are so cheap and such a time saver. its a pretty easy job, the only trouble I ran into was getting the axle to separate from the support bracket. after a removing the bracket with the axle and a few convincing blows with a sledge it decided to come apart.

 

look at it this way.. your joints are gone. get axles.. they are cheaper. to do the job will be difficult if done at home. i work on my car at the dealership that i work at.. its easier on a lift and having compressed air and tools on hand. it will be time consuming using hand tools but it can be done. you dont need special tools.. just a lot of patience.

 

yep alot of patience, I have done this on mine and it isnt too fun on the passenger side. The only tools that you really need are a good socket set. a pry bar, hammer, and a good set of wrenches.

 

From what I have gathered thus far it seems to be a given that the seals at the tranny where the axles go in also should be replaced.
I also have heard that I need to know whether I have a limited slip differential. (probably not in a GXE)

 

when I was replacing my axle, I gave Raxles.com a call to price axles and I also asked them if I needed to replace the seal, he said that if its not leaking now don't touch it.

 

Is the nut on the end of the axles 36mm? I have a '97 GXE
I'd like to find out without having to take a wheel off so I can go and get a socket today. (wheel covers are held on by lug nuts)

jwyles

 

when I got my new axle it came with a new nut on it, so if you could just take that nut to the store and figure out which one fits. I would assume it is a 36mm like my '96.

 

I am doing my axles tomorrow, I got mine from raxles.com for 119 for one side and 149 for another. One side went up like 20 bucks in price since I bought mine but mine did not come with new nuts.

 

don't bother...just replace the axle...talk to Marty at Raxles.com