Control Arm and drive axle question, what a poopy day

[festivagt]

...

Logan,
You could always opt to put new ball bearings in the uter joint and use it. Might be easier to pull the axle if you pull the trans when you swap the motor.
HENRY

[Guest]

I had 1 go like this once.. ended up doing it the hard way.. diconnected the lower strut mount, control arm and tie rod end.. Bolted a chain to the spindle via old lug bolt and snapped the chain like a whip after 3 or 4 tries it finally came out.. but then I had to have it realigned etc.. what a pita.. :evil:

Edit: This isn't the best way to do this as a few bad things can happen.. brake lines and fender dents if you don't watch it..

[mechanicguy]

Yessssssssss! I finally got that puppy out! It was the chisel and sledge that finally got her to pop. I did use Festy46's technique with actually hammering the driveaxle into the trans and I really believe that it helped me finally get it out. After I got it out I checked the circlip on the end of the driveaxle and this thing was literally notched the same as the splines. If I had to recap what I learned it would be 1. Some driveaxles come out easier than others 2. Stay with it, eventually you will get those things to pop out 3. The only way you can get driveaxles out is with excellent leverage combined with BRUTE FORCE

The main techniques I used to get this driveaxle out with are techniques that were NOT stated in the manual. This just shows that the people on here are great help and an excellent source when it comes down to fixing your festiva. Thanks again to everybody who helped me, I sure appreciate it!

[packrat427]

AWESOME !! I am glad you finally got it

[wrestler3025]

Hey!!!! I'm glad you finally got it out. I'm glad that the hammer and chiesel worked out for you :wink: Sorry it didn't work as easily as it could have, but you got it out