1996 camry driver side axle replacement - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

creaker2 · 06-28-2009, 03:06 PM

I need help. I'm trying to replace the outboard axle on the driver's side which has a torn outer cv boot. I've disconnected the axle from the wheel and removed the six 8 mm hex nuts but I can not separate the outer axle from the inner axle. I don't want to remove the entire axle because I've heard horror stories about removing the axle from the tranny. What's the trick to separate the inner and outer axles. There is very little room and nothing to grab. I've tried driving a screwdriver between the two flanges with no success. I don't want to damage the end that connects to the tranny. Do I need a bigger hammer or are there some tricks!! Thanks for any help.

Stillrunning · 06-28-2009, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creaker2

I don't want to remove the entire axle because I've heard horror stories about removing the axle from the tranny.

What horror stories? It just takes a good pry bar. I'd also use this opportunity to replace the axle to differencial oil seal; that will require removal of the inner axle.

creaker2 · 06-28-2009, 04:12 PM

I've read that others have had difficulty prying out the old axle from the tranny. There's not much room. I've also read that some folks have had trouble getting the c clip to reset.

Stillrunning · 06-28-2009, 07:30 PM

It's an effort but do-able, certainly not a horror story. I would advise an pry bar from above with a block of wood to act as a fulcrum. C-clip should be no problem - face open end down on re-install. I would just replace axle with complete re-built one.

creaker2 · 06-28-2009, 08:01 PM

Thanks Stillrunning. I may forced into this option.
Anyone have success with just removing the outboard axle?
How did you separate the two flanges after removing the six bolts?

500KCamry · 06-28-2009, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creaker2

Thanks Stillrunning. I may forced into this option.
Anyone have success with just removing the outboard axle?
How did you separate the two flanges after removing the six bolts?

My 85 had the outer axle secured this way, my 95 and 01 have axles that are one piece, no separate inner axle.

If yours is like my 85 the inner axle flange has six bolts, and the outer axle tulip (CV) joint housing has a flange with six holes, held in place by six nuts. If you have the nuts off, try tapping the tulip joint housing with a hammer and see if you can break it free of the inner axle flange. Otherwise a sharp chisel could be used and driven between the flanges. Try it, then spin the axle 1/4 turn, try again, and so on.

I suspect it would be mild corrosion holding the two together and that they should break free of each other without too much trouble.

500KCamry · 06-28-2009, 10:28 PM

xx

ghettosled · 06-29-2009, 11:57 AM

i cant remember off hand the design of the driver's side axle, but can you split the axle at the toulip joint like on the passenger side? this is what i did (photos included in link):

this is a "how to" on replacing the passenger's side CV boots (warning- many photos)

creaker2 · 06-29-2009, 02:16 PM

Thanks 500Kcamry. I'll try your suggestions in a couple of days when the weather cools. It's over 100 degrees during the day in my garage.

creaker2 · 06-29-2009, 02:23 PM

Great write-up ghettosled but I already bought the new half axle with brand new CV boots. I thought it would be easier to replace the entire axle which includes two new CV boots (cost was $70) versus doing the CV boot rebuild. If I can successfully separate the flanges between the axle sections, the axle replacement is very easy.

creaker2 · 07-02-2009, 11:52 AM

Thanks again 500KCamry. I tried your fix and it worked. I used a 2.5 lb hammer and tapped the side of the flange about 5 times and then rotated the flange one nut. I repeated this process three times and the flanges separated. There was just enough room to strike the flange at a 45 degree angle. Direction of hammer travel was from the engine towards the wheel.