drive axle photos

[WmWatt]

Took the following photos yesterday when replacing left front axle

http://photobucket.com/Festiva-axle

Photos are out of sequence so I numbered them.

[Grey Vw]

You don't need to disconnect the lower control arm bolt to take it out

[WmWatt]

Grey Vw: I read that here and tried but could not drop the control arm out of the knuckle. So I went ahead and removed it. It's a bit of a pain getting it back in. I'm pretty sure you can add a comment to the photo if you like.

[GenevaDirt]

not sure if you saw this but it works out pretty good....

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35674

[zoe60]

I figured out the best way, works every time: Take a 1 1/2" or so iron pipe about 4' long. Stick the end over the sway bar and under where the control arm mounts to the car. Pry down. Pops that sucker out every time. I've done the same thing with several strut type suspension cars and it works great.
Oops- Willie beat me to it. A good sized pipe does make it easier though.

[scitzz]

If I have to remove the LCA, I find it easy to remove the bolt on the frame, then just drop the ball joint out. Sometimes it does help to spread the pinch.

For axles, I pop the tie rod end off, and if worried about alignment, you can tape it so it doesn't spin on the tie rod. Then, remove the 2 bolts from the strut. The rotor will swing enough to get out of the way, by an inch or two at least.

Also, I never bother unstaking the nut, it doesn't hold up to enough torque to break it loose.

The broom handle is a nice trick. I also use a rubber mallet.

Good write up though, and good pics!

[91_festy_Gl]

I can always get the long axle out just by removing the nut and taking the 2 strut bolts out. The short axle isn't that easy. Usually do it in the same manner except I drop the LCA and leave the tie rod. Everyone has there own ways of doing it.

[scitzz]

I can always get the long axle out just by removing the nut and taking the 2 strut bolts out. The short axle isn't that easy. Usually do it in the same manner except I drop the LCA and leave the tie rod. Everyone has there own ways of doing it.

Yes they do, but I am going to try that! thanks for the hint

[htchbck]

I can do both sides just undoing the strut bolts... the key is to turn the wheel hard left for the right axle, hard left for the right. Moves the tie rod out to the end of its travel giving extra room needed No need to unhook ball joints, tie rods, or LCAs

[scitzz]

I can do both sides just undoing the strut bolts... the key is to turn the wheel hard left for the right axle, hard left for the right. Moves the tie rod out to the end of its travel giving extra room needed No need to unhook ball joints, tie rods, or LCAs

I don't know if I ever even tried that. Got to put the axle I just put a new boot on back in as soon as these dad blasted caty dids stop dive bombing me Gonna try it out on the drivers side then...

[denguy]

Your pics brought back a lot of fond memories.

[jjk1224]

Sorry to derail the thread, but how do I know what size shaft to buy? There is a 606mm and a 597 mm length for the driver side. I suppose I could measure but that involves too much work!

[GenevaDirt]

:scratch: not sure why you guys go through all that work....pinch bolt on the LCA and the axle nut are all that need to be removed to service the cv axles. So simple....I wish I could show you guys just how quick it can be done. But like someone said....to each their own.