The CV boot IS cracked all the way around. There IS clanking sounds when the wheel is turned all the way and the car is turning slowly. Therefore, from what I read it is too late to save the axle, by cleaning it and regreasing it.
Anyways, I have called a few places and a rebuild on my axle or a new axle would be give or take $60.

Has anyone changed theirs before? Can you shoot me some pointers? My main(and pretty much only) guide will be the one on motorvate.ca. What tools do you recommend I should have available? What steps do you think I should take? What is the estimated time I am looking at?

Thanks

 

Air tools will be your friend!!
Breaker bar, the bigger the better
socket set with socket big enough to remove axle nut (can't remember size.)
Jacks/jackstands
probably more tools, but no specialty tools that I can remember

It took me about 4 hours to do both sides, but I think next time I could cut that in half. Not a real tough job, breaking nuts loose was the worst part (I have air tools now and it's a piece of cake.) Also pulling out the axle from the tranny was kinda tough but it eventually came out.

They also recommend an alignment anytime you move/adjust suspension parts.

I used the cheap AutoZone axles ($60) and so far (4K miles) no problems, but you might want to think about raxles if you're lowered.

Good luck, it's not that tough.

 

replace the whole axle....36mm socket.....for the nut....take off wheels.....take out bottome 2 strut bolts....take off axle nut and washer....push and pull to get the axle out of the hub.....when its free a couple good pulls of the axle and it will pop right out.....make sure u put a pan under the tranny it will spill lube....make sure axle seal is still in tranny.....Pop new axle in a reassemble....i did mine 2 weeks ago...took about 30 mins...and i had to go get a 36mm sockey

 

you may need to use a prybar or screwdriver or other similar implement to pry the axle out of the transmission. also be conscious of he axle seal. you may mess it up when removing the old axle or reinstalling your new one. might be a good idea to grab a new driver's side axle seal from the dealership if you can so that you aren't stuck with a leaky seal and nothing to replace it with.

 

you may want to drain the tranny fluid before.. i used the writeup on motorvate, very helpful
It took me about 1.5-2 hours. It was my first time. I could prolly do it now in 30 mins. Have fun