I replaced my drivers side axle about a 4000 miles ago in my 97 5-speed SE. I've had a minor leak since then. I've recently checked it and there is some movement in and out (around 3mm). I dont have any grinding but I do have some rattling when making right hand turns. I assume I have the dreaded bearing failure. How many have fixed them themselves and how easy was it? I looked at the how to for it and it looks kinda difficult but its better than spending $1k+ to get it done at the dealer.

 

If you have over 100k on it, you can skip the preload measurement step and just re-use the shims. Then the job is as simple as removing the tranny, taking apart the housing, and taking the differential to a tranny shop for the work. The shop won't need more than an hour of labor, so $60 plus parts. Or you can cut and remove them like you saw in the motorvate how-to, and do it all yourself. If there is wear on the mainshaft or input shaft bearings, take the whole thing to a tranny shop and have them do the rebuild. If you tackle this job early the bill shouldn't be bad.

IMO, the hardest part is removing and reinstalling the tranny.

Dave