How to remove rear half shafts?????

[techy101]

So I've gotta remove the rear passenger side half shaft from the rear-diff so that I can replace the side seal.

I'm a bit stumped on how to do this. It's probably a real n00b thing, but this is my first car that I'm learning to do all this stuff on.

So if anyone could clue me in on a detailed how-to for this one it would be great


Thanks,
Matthew

[Hocrest]

First you need to give the axle room to move out, undo the two bolts holding the spindle to the strut.

Now the axle stub will just pop out of the rear diff, use a pry bar to pry the solid part of the DOJ away from the rear diff till it pops, then gently pull it out.

[techy101]

Stupid question, but what is the spindle?

[Hocrest]

The wheel attaches to the hub, the hub spins inside of the spindle.

The spindle attaches to the strut at the top, and to the arms at the bottom. You could also remove the bolts holding it at the bottom, but all that I've seen are pretty rusty down there, so the strut bolts are easier.

[techy101]

To avoid starting another thread next to this one, I'll just toss this question in here too.

I am trying to check the fluid level in my tranny, but everytime I put the dipstick in it comes out half covered in ATF. How do you get a good reading on it???

[subru92svx]

The way I've always been told to do it is to Start your car and get it up to normal operating temperature. Leave the car running and shift threw all gears slowly and back to park again. Then while car is still running pull the dipstick out clean it off reinstall and pull it again. Now check the reading. You might have to do this 1-3 times just to make sure. Make sure you are not too low or too full. Both can be bad and cause issues.

[techy101]

Hrm, so I've detached everything from the strut. I can get the half-shaft most of the way out of the rear-diff, but I can't seem to get enough room to get it all the way out.

[Earthworm]

Remove the diff?

Actually that's the only time I've had the rear axles out of the diff. (Installed solid diff mount bushings)