Gen 4 Camry Passenger Side CV Axle Tutorial

[ycartf]

I had such a hard time getting this thing off that I thought I'd write a tutorial on how I (finally) did it. It can be viewed here -

http://www.tracystruesoaps.com/tutor...en4cvpass.html

Thanks!

Tracy

[peshwa]

Hi Tracy
Thanks but I think we do have a tutorial/DIY in the sticky section of Gen3 and Gen4 forums. IIRC its by a member "ghettosled".

[csaxon]

Good info Tracy!

[ycartf]

Originally Posted by peshwa

Hi Tracy
Thanks but I think we do have a tutorial/DIY in the sticky section of Gen3 and Gen4 forums. IIRC its by a member "ghettosled".

Thanks. I actually saw that thread prior to replacing my CV axle, but I thought it would be of little help to me (or someone like me) since I wanted to replace the whole axle. That thread addresses only the installing of new boots to the old axle. Since I was showing how to actually remove the infamous frozen intermediate bearing and replace the whole axle, along with showing more of the steps of actually "getting to" the CV axle, I thought my contribution would be of benefit. I apologize if it seems redundant or confuses anyone.

Thanks,

Tracy

[Rattlin_Steele]

Thanks for the writeup! As you said, yours shows how to take out the whole axle and provides an alternative to taking out the whole motor mount bracket if the bearing is frozen in the carrier, a common problem for many.

Even when using the slide hammer as you did, I could see how it would still be difficult, because when you hammer, the motor mount bracket/bearing carrier, is not entirely fixed in place. It's hard mounted to the engine, so some of the force is going to be lost via the motor mounts. Also, one should make darn sure the vehicle is properly supported and couldn't slip off it's stands/blocks when hammering.

I notice you did not take loose the tie rod end from the steering knuckle (or didn't mention it if you did). I would think that would make removal of the axle from the hub a bit tougher.

Also, I never found it necessary to remove the brake caliper, but maybe it gave you additional clearance since you didn't remove the tie rod end?

BTW the "chunk" on the inboard shaft is often called the "tulip", and it's worth mentioning that the center bearing near it is simply pressed on the shaft also, which mean if the bearing is frozen badly enough to the carrier, the bearing may decide to stay behind even as the axle comes out! Probably not likely, but heating the bracket and use of pentrating oil is probably a pretty good idea.

Again, nice job on the writeup!

[ycartf]

Yeah I like to replace the whole axle and "know" it is all ok (or should be). I did make sure (as I always do) that it was VERY secure on the jack stands before doing anything, especially pounding like I was with the slide hammer. And no, I did not remove the tie rod end - I prefer to just remove the three bolts that secure the ball joint to the lower control arm and maybe turn the steering wheel some if I need more angle to remove the axle from the hub. And thanks for clarifying the name of the tulip for me -- I may go and edit that sometime. Thanks!

[ycartf]

I just wanted to post that today (10/10/2010) I helped my son-in-law replace the CV axle on his 1993 Camry wagon (Gen 3) and it was the same exact job, right down to fastener sizes and torques. I have amended the statement on the tutorial about not being sure everything was the same on a Gen 3 Camry. Thanks!

[slpr1mz]

doing my axle's this weekend! thnx!

[reluctantmechanic]

loosen the axle nut before you remove the tire, with the car on the ground - just break the nut less than a quarter turn. Using the pry bar after the fact is much harder, and can damage your threads..

[dave1811]

Great write up Tracy and good pictures. What type of torch did you use to heat up the bearing area? Also, what brand CV axle did you end up putting in?

Dave

[ycartf]

I just used one of those torches where you buy a kit with a screw-on tip, LP cylinder, and striker. I used the CV axle that AutoZone sells for $60 with lifetime replacement.

Oh, and I did find that removing the axle nut was much easier while the tire was still on the ground. That was actually the way we did my son-in-law's yesterday.