Axle replacement. Anything difficult about this?

[NetFurie]

This seems like overkill to me, but Pepboys says it cheaper to replace the axle than it is to replace a CV boot.
Both outer boots are split on my 97 Max. Pepboys sells a rebuilt axle with both cv joints for less than a $100. The labor is not that much (about $70 per side). If it's that cheap, I'm thinking it must be easy.
Does anyone know if there are any special tools needed to do this myself? And if not, what's involved?
Thanks.

[tdaily]

It's not that difficult, but you have to have the right tools to do it. A good socket set is essential, and you'll have to have a very, very large sized socket to even begin to get at the axle. If you've never done it before, I wouldn't recommend tackling it on your own. I'd at least try and find a friend or relative who may be somewhat familiar with the procedure. It's not extremely difficult, but it's not something you just want to jump into. And here's a hint: Taking an axle out is a lot easier than getting it back in. You must make sure that the threads are lined up with the tranny before you start hammering away at the axle to get it to go back into place.

They're pretty much right about the boot BTW. I never replace boots unless it's quite obvious that it has just gone bad very recently.

[turk66460]

Go get new ones from Advance Auto Parts or Auto Zone they run about $75.00 to 100.00 each. Get a manual, rent the tools out and valla..... The right hand side is a little harder because of 3 extra bolts in a tight spot to support the axle. But overall its kinda easy. Its very hard to explain. so heres the web site thats explains for the Maxima how step by step.......




http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/401

[NetFurie]

Thanks, Guys!
Turk... I was looking through that exact site yesterday, but I don't get two things... Why I have to replace the trany fluid, and how the axle connects to the transmission.
1. Am I just removing the fluid because it's going to pour out anyway when I remove the axle?
2. Does the axle just plug in to the tranny? How is it secured?

[tdaily]

Right, all your fluid is going to come out anyway. The axle is secured in the tranny because it pops in pretty good for one thing, and because it has several bolts and the other suspension holding it in position.

[turk66460]

When the tranny fluid drains, I would highly recomend draning the whole thing out and replacing with new one.
When you remove the axle you take 2 flat head screw drivers and pop it out of the trans evenly. when you put it back you have to tap it in with a hammer make sure don't mess the fittings up use something like a cloth on the end of the axle. Thats about it any other questions.

[NetFurie]

Sweet... Thanks a lot for the responses. I'll be tackling it this weekend.