AXLE, Front

James Scott · #1 01-19-2009, 02:09 AM

While starting to do my front brakes, I noticed a large tear in my outer axle boot (driver side). I think I've replaced this axle twice...First time I purchased the axle (Pep Boys), the second time I got it free on Lifetime Warranty (I think).

Should I replace the axle, since I don't know how long the boot's been broken. There is no blob or large amount of grease inside the broken boot, so I'm assuming it tore quite a while ago. Should I try to replace the boot only as shown in the shop manual? Is that easy to do?

Sorry for the senility...but I almost died in September from chemo I took to treat the cancer I got in August. I can't remember how to replace the axle, even though I've done it twice...Ha! Do I remove the lower ball joint, leaving the rest of the supporting structures intact...to remove the axle (to either replace the boot..or to replace the axle)? Also, I didn't do the front disc and pads, because I was afraid I would have to remove the calipers/rotor for the axle.. Do I have to?

Sorry I have to bother you with this basic info, but I would sure appreciate your help.. .

Thanks, Jim

1986nate · #2 01-19-2009, 03:09 AM

It is easier to replace the whole axle and a lot less messy rather than just replacing the boot.

James Scott · #3 01-19-2009, 12:34 PM

OK!.. Do I have to remove the rotor/caliper?.. or can they remain attached during axle replacement? It seems like I just detached the lower ball joint (3 bolts) to pull the suspension out of the way to get axle out.. ?? Is that right?

Thanks.. . Jim

James Scott · #4 01-19-2009, 04:44 PM

OK.. I found the "How to" thread for front axle.. . Never Mind!

ShiuludeSVX · #5 01-19-2009, 05:12 PM

It's pretty easy to follow. I was about to send it to you when I looked last time.

bheinen74 · #6 01-19-2009, 05:15 PM

I think I've replaced this axle twice...First time I purchased the axle (Pep Boys), the second time I got it free on Lifetime Warranty (I think).

that is your problem. take some advice, get a subaru oem or mwe axle. and be done with it for good.
or, don't listen to me and have vibrations and replacements required every 6 months or year.

James Scott · #7 01-21-2009, 04:36 PM

Why dint U till me B 4! Hmmmmmm!?
[I pick up my free Lifetime Warranty replacement axle today.. . (special ordered)]

Oh Well... .. . Hmmm? Jim

James Scott · #8 01-23-2009, 05:52 PM

BTW...the axle replacement took me forever because I forgot that I can't take out the three ball joint bolts (on top) without jacking up the A-arm to change the angle (so the bolt can back out without hitting the hub structure!) I don't know if it was always like that...but it was not mentioned in the "How to", so think it became a problem for me when I installed the drop springs and Koni inserts!...?

[Heh!.. What if i put the bolts from the bottom up (instead of inserting from the top), placing the nuts on top? It would alleviate the problem, but I was too afraid I'd have to redo the positioning for some undetermined reason...or have my ball joint fall off while driving...So, I went to the trouble of re-installing with the bolts inserted on top! Yikes!]

Thanks, Jim

1986nate · #9 01-24-2009, 03:27 AM

You can also just turn the steering wheel all the way to the right to get one bolt out, and all the way to the left for the other one. It takes only a slight amount of manuevering to get the bolts out this way.