1997 pontiac gp gp axle shaft removal

[glc4123]

yes, i plan on changing the axle shaft and hub on this gp. it is the front driver side. i changed the hub before,but never went in deeper in changing axle shaft. what do i have to do remove to get axle out and reinstall new. all help will be appreciated?

[brcidd]

If you have never removed a CV shaft from differential- it is interesting- all that holds the tranny end in is a slip/snap ring- that compresses when inserted and compresses again when removed- what has to happen is that it needs to be "jolted" in either direction- both installing and removing- A steady pull or push will not get you anywhere. So what I do is use a 3ft or more crow bar, or even bigger if you have room, and slip in in behind tranny end (there are usually two small flats to pry behind) and then rapidly snap it out- it make take 3 or 4 tries- and just steady prying pressure doesn't get it- it needs to be snapped out. There is usually a cover to remove over the CV joint as well- good to get that out of the way. There have been a few that I could actually get my big bar down in from the top, through the engine compartment, and had enough room to snap them out- but it is usually from underneath. I do believe they make a special tool for this- but my method has always worked. To install- I'll use my biggest hammer and a piece of oak 4x4 (to avoid messing up threads) and whap it into place.