Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle Driver's side half-shaft removal (Zetec w/ ATX)

As I was doing a strut swap today, I realized that I've got a left side CVJ with a blown-out boot, so I've left the job half-done on that side and will look for a replacement half-shaft. Since I'm planning on selling this car soon, I'm thinking that I may just get a salvaged half-shaft, or maybe even a whole hub/half-shaft assembly so I don't have to bother with the bearings.

Regardless, I'll be needing to remove a half-shaft, and I'm not clear on the procedure. I've done a search and seen references to a clip that holds the shaft in place on the tranny side. It seems to suggest you don't remove the clip however, but you just whale on it with a slide hammer or pry bar. That just doesn't seem right - what am I missing?

Any insight appreciated,

Brad

Not much actually. Just get everything out of the way and have at it with the slide hammer. With a few good pulls it should pop out.

You can replace the boot instead of purchasing a shaft.. but that is your call.


As for the bearings: you wouldn't affect the bearing at all by removing the axle.

Ray

Thanks for the quick response Mike. So is it just a splined shaft that goes into the differential? What was I reading about some clip, and it needs to be replaced with a new one upon re-assembly???

Thanks too to Ray! It looks like this joint has been exposed for a while and it's the original part. It's a 200K car, so I figure it's not worth the risk of just "re-booting".

I read somewhere that somebody destroyed the bearing removing the shaft. Sounds like that's not a typical experience?

That was probably from hitting the hub/studs to seperate the axle from the splined bearing within the hub.

Typically, you simply seperate the hub(bearing) from the axle's outer end, and you're good.

Just don't reuse your axle nut(locking spindle nut... one time use only) and tighten the new one to 208-214FOOT/lbs


Ray

It is a splined shaft. The clip holds it in but stays on the axle when you pop it out. I've found the best way to remove the axle from the hub is to use an air chisel with a pointed bit. You have to disconnect the tie-rod end, endlink, and lower balljoint pinch bolt before doing this though. As for replacing the clip as well as the axle nut, I'm only gonna say I've had mine apart 3-4 times and have reused all the hardware with no problems. I'm gonna leave that up to you to decide though.

Appreciate the feedback. Still not sure I understand this clip - sounds like some sort of circlip, but all of those that I've ever dealt with HAD to be removed first before the axle could come out. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like I essentially ignore it here, other than requiring some force to overcome the clip's retaining action, yes?

I've already got everything detached from the knuckle/hub assembly (except the axle), and this side had already had the replaceable ball-joint upgrade done, so I've removed that, if only to get it out of harm's way. So given that the axle nut is still in place, all I need do now is yank on the knuckle with a slide-hammer, or maybe carefully bang it out with a BFH, and the complete shaft should just come along with it, right?

Keep those cards and letters coming!

Brad