CV half shaft problems

[krb7951]

95 Stratus V6
Has anyone replaced or removed the left side CV Half shaft (axle shaft) from the transaxle. I have removed the back plate from the transaxle, I need to remove the pin between the small gears so I can push the half shaft in and remove the lock ring and pull the haft shaft out. The problem is on the pin between the small gears, where there is usually an alignment / lock screw or bolt there is a “press pin” that looks like it has been pressed in flush. How do I remove this so I can remove the larger pin allowing me to push in the half shaft?

[rusted and busted]

Did you ever get the left halfshaft out? I'm having the exact same problem on my '98 Stratus. My Chiltons book says to use a pry bar to release the axle from the joint but there's no way thats going to work.

[dsramprat]

I have had the half shafts out of my 97 a couple of times, and have removed them from a 96 Breeze (same car). Rusted and Busted, the Chilton book is correct. You just need to pry them out. It can be hard to find a good spot on the transaxle housing to pry against, but they are held in place with a "c" clip. There are no pins to pry out, and no panels or pans to remove. You do need to remove the outboard side from the steering knuckle by taking off the nut on the outboard side. Once that is off, you need to disconnect the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle so you can move it to give you enough room to pull out the shaft. After that just pry on it at the trans at it will pop out. You shouldn't have to put your back into it, but it will required a little effort. Be careful when it pops out, and when you put it back in. You can easily damage the half shaft seals in the trans, and when they come out, you might have a little bit of fluid loss.

Insert Prybar between shaft and housing.....


Pop it out.....

(Images are from www.autozone.com repair guides)

[royto]

I know this thread is about a year old, but I wanted to thank you. The pictures posted were very helpful.

I just finished extracting the CV half shaft on the driver's side of my 2000 Stratus.

Getting the bearing separated was a fun job to say the least.

As well, it did take me quite a bit of effort to pry the inner shaft free from the trans-axle, but it eventually came out after coming apart first at the CV boot.

One thing. I was not sure if I was placing the pry bar in the right spot, as it seems there is not much of a lip on the shaft to get a good wedge against. I kept trying, and it finally released.

Right now, I am trying to fit my hands in so I can push hard enough to get the snap ring to engage, but I'll try that later.

Thanks again for the pictures, it really helped me get the CV out of the car.