Drivers side CV Axle Question

[88FestivaLX]

What size is the nut on the CV axle? Also, to replace it, do I just take the nut off and slide it out of the tranny? Is the axle seal in the tranny easy to replace? Thanks!

[88FestivaLX]

Do I just use a punch on the axle nut where it's crushed in?

[therris]

I think I used a 21mm socket on the axle nut. And the punch should work to free up the nut. I usually have to remove the strut and the brake line where it connects to the strut to get the clearance necessary to back the axle out of the hub. Sometimes I've had to use a pry bar to pop the axle out of the transmission. Never done the seal though.

[Ogrestiva]

it's a 29mm socket. After I took off the nut and removed the axle from the hub, I tied a large tie-down-strap thinggy to the axle where it comes out of the trans and gave it a few good tugs and it plopped right out...getting the new one in was harder...I needed a rubber hammer to tap it back in.

[JPT]

1 1/8" was the size on my Festy. A punch will work fine on the nut. The seals are easy to replace. Just (carefully, so you don't scratch the surface where the seal sits) pull out the old one and (again carefully) put the new one in. A large socket works well for putting the new seal in. Oil the new seal first.

For the axle, some are easy to remove, but a transmission I bought that had axle ends in it (the yard that I bought it from torched the trans from the car) required two pry bars to remove the axles. One on one side wedged in tight and another on the other side. A couple of good whacks and they came right out.

[therris]

Yip, sorry. He's right. It's a 29mm. Just went out and checked.

[Pu241]

You need to check the size with after market axles I have seen 28, 29, 30 and 32MM nuts on the axles (but never a 21MM).
After using a screwdriver and a punch to free up the "crushed" section, I find that impact sockets and and impact wrench work wonders!
But alway hit it up with BP-Blaster or the like (Not WD-40) before hand!
If you don't currently have or can borrow an impact (electric or pneumatic) wrench give serious thought to buying one as the youngest fester is now 15 yrs old some of those fasteners are not obliging of coming off!
My impact wrench has saved me snapping off many, many bolts.

[88FestivaLX]

Got everything off, but can't get the axle loose from the tranny. I'll try the 2 pry bars and see if that works tomm

[Pu241]

Slid Hammer!
Or, a reasonable adaption there of.
Pretty sure someone here had some pics of some sort of "slid hammer" they made from some chain, tubing, and some sort of weight.
let me see what I can find!

[MONSOON]

Be careful doing it that way that you dont accidently crack the case. With the prybars I mean.

[Ogrestiva]

^^^That's why I used the tow straps...you could also use a seatbelt.

[wrestler3025]

Be careful doing it that way that you dont accidently crack the case. With the prybars I mean.

I second Monsoon's warning!! Be really careful if you are going to try it this way. I've seen 3 festiva transmissions ruined this way. The housing of the transmission isn't the strongest when you are prying on it with steel bars. I would avoid taking the shaft out this way if possible, just so you don't cause yourself more problems down the road.

Like Pu241 has stated, I would use a slide hammer or a variation. Another member used a scooter handle and attached a length of chain to it and the axle, and was able to pull them out without damaging the tranny.

[Pu241]

Wrestler3025, that's exactly the post I was referring to, but can't find it!
He had good pics too!
If you have the link can you post it in this thread?
Not everyone can afford $100 for a slid hammer kit.
Even though it has a lot of other uses(and adapters) and has saved my hiney and many other people hiney's as well.

[88FestivaLX]

I'd def be up for some pics....I def don't have the money for one! And I don't wanna break it either, ha

[Pu241]

88FestivaLX
You could probably go the Autozone "loan a tool" route.
Put a deposit on the tool and it's all returned when the tool is returned.
Might be quicker than "putting together" a replacement. especially for a one time use.