1997 Park Ave half shaft removal

[Greg5150]

If anyone has removed one or both cv joint/shafts can you confirm that they can be removed by separating the ball joint from the lower control arm to acheive enough clearance to get the shaft out? I've also read that it is possible to remove the hub to achieve enough clearance. I'm hoping this is a simple job - any advice is appreciated. Thanks

[gmtech1]

Yes, that should give you enough room, if your brake flex hose is bolted to the body, remove that bolt. You'll have to get a little persuasive with the strut/knuckle assy, but the axle will come out.

[Tech II]

Yeah, I usually take the bolt out of the brake line to pull the strut assembly to the side......

Only two hard things are:

Pushing the CV end out of the hub assembly....may be rusted.....use PB Blaster.......if an air chisel is not available. punch and hammer on the end of it, should push it through......hit in center, not on threads....pull strut assembly aside and get end of axle out of bearing.....

Second, may not want to come out of tranny......may have to jack up the cradle a little more to get clearance for a second pry bar, to pop the axle out....try to pry on opposite sides as best you can....may have to rotate the axle 90 degrees and try again....