Drive Axle Replacement

[hangun61]

I have a '95 Sentra GXE 1.6 sedan that sustained light front-end damage to the passenger side when it skidded over a curb.

Damaged were, among other things, the right front wheel, right lower control arm, and the right drive axle.

I dont have a problem with the minor things but, I am lost trying to change the drive axle. On each end of the axle, there are rubber boots with metal clamps that I can't figure out how to open.

Once I get it off, how do I secure the new axle?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[slideways...]

wait...dont remove those boots. why would you? new axles come assembled. just take the wheel off, take off the axle nut, pop the tie rod off, and pop the axle out of the transmission. installation reverse of removal.

[hangun61]

Thanks, Slide. I got the tie rod off, and the wheel-end of the drive-axle came out easy enough, but the tranny end of the axle won't come out.

I have pulled and twisted, but it won't pull free. I can see the "universal" twisting around in the boot, but the darn thing won't come out.

Any more help up your sleeve? I really appreciate yours and anybodys help.

[nismo_pilot]

pull harder? they are supposed to snap in with a c clip or something i think you just yank them out

[hangun61]

Thanks, Slide and Nismo - After a lot of pulling and yanking and cursing, I got a big ol' prybar and popped the drive axle right out. I wasn't prepared for the gush of tranny fluid, though! I should have this car back on the road in a day or two.

Again, Thanks for the help.

[nismo_pilot]

lol glad to hear it, just put some muscle behind it, go old school.....lol

[slideways...]

yeah for future reference, use a prybar always when popping the axle out. you can yank on it but ive had about 50% of the axles i try and yank out fall apart in my hands. under each boot is a joint that can come apart with enough persuasion.