Axle replacement question

[rbalach]

I've got some major clicking noise when making left turns. From what i've heard this is a bad CV joint and the joint needs to be rebuilt or the whole axle can be replaced.

I found this document on how to replace axles:
http://www.subaru-svx.net/
- How-To Documents
- Body & Chassis
- CV Joints

I am not familiar with the workings of a suspension/axle, but I think i understand most of it except for the first statement "Loosen upper strut mount bolts". So i began digging through www.subaruparts.com and i've marked up a question in red in the picture below. Could somebody please tell me if i got it right ? Thanks.

[mbtoloczko]

That's what is meant in that how-to document. That document recommends removing the bolts holding the ball joint to the A-arm. In my experience, that is a very difficult thing to do. Its hard to get the the outer-most bolt out because the hub gets in the way.

IMHO, its easier to remove the upper strut-to-knuckle bolt (20578F) and loosen the lower strut-to-knuckle bolt (20578H) and tilt the hub outward to get enough room to remove the halfshaft.

[Budfreak]

I did it by taking out the ball joint bolts. It just takes a little moving around of the hub and patience. It's a totally easy job though. Good luck.

[Speedklix]

Originally Posted by budfreak1

I did it by taking out the ball joint bolts. It just takes a little moving around of the hub and patience. It's a totally easy job though. Good luck.

I do it the same way, no need to mess with those top bolts, the brake line or removing the hub to strut bolts. If it is a real pain you could probably get a friend to turn the steering wheel to assist in moving the hub and strut around.

To remove the axle nut without an impact gun... remove the center cap on the wheel and the axle nut cap, unstake the nut and reinstall the wheel. Lower the car (this keeps the axle from turning with the nut) and use a good breaker bar with a six point 1.25" socket.
Do the same when tightening it to 152 ftlbs with a torque wrench, then restake it with the wheel off. When not lower/raising the car, use jackstands. the torque on the ball joint bolts is