CV joint replacement advice

[Kenyth]

I'm slated to try doing this on my wife's vehicle. Anyone ever done one of these? It doesn't look too hard, but paper can be deceiving. I've got a sizable set of hand/power/air tools, and a knack for fixing stuff. I've also done other minor car repair before, just not a CV replacement. A DIY on this will save a good $300-$400, so it's well worth the effort

Any advice from someone whose done the deed?

[EGQ]

It's not terribly difficult -- I worked as a mechanic when I was in undergrad -- but I had the benefit of a lift and all of the proper tools. A pickle fork is critical to separate the ball joint -- that may be the only tool you'll need that isn't common for a DIYer.

Check out the link below -- a nice video series that should help the process somewhat.

http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_629_replace-cv-joint.html

[kevin7]

Some of the sealed wheel bearing bolts can be a real bitch to get loose. I put upper and lower ball joints on the durango in 4 hours and the hardest part was all of it LOL. Good luck ,I have an Intrepid Im just waiting for to start that dreaded clicking sound

[Kenyth]

That's weird. I can't get the video to play in either IE or Firefox.

[EGQ]

That's weird. I can't get the video to play in either IE or Firefox.

That is odd -- they are a pretty good collection of videos that take you through step-by-step.

[mail man]

If you have a basic mechanical knowledge base, you should be alright...just remember, if you get mad.....WALK AWAY.

[Kenyth]

That is odd -- they are a pretty good collection of videos that take you through step-by-step.

It was just my PC. There's something wrong with the player add-in. Anyway, I watched it. Not too bad. His video showed a full drive shaft replacement. What about these rebuilt "half shaft" replacement parts? It's what is listed on the auto zone websites. I'll have to pick up a model specific manual to make sure I know what's up. Taking apart the shaft itself is probably more involved.

[Kenyth]

Some of the sealed wheel bearing bolts can be a real bitch to get loose. I put upper and lower ball joints on the durango in 4 hours and the hardest part was all of it LOL. Good luck ,I have an Intrepid Im just waiting for to start that dreaded clicking sound

Car repairs are always a bitch. I haven't had an easy DIY repair since my old 77 Buik Skylark as a teen. Those were the day's they gave you some room to work in the engine compartment, and you didn't need a special tool for every job. An SAE wrench set would get you by for just about anything.

I have a large breaker bar, an impact wrench, and will buy a pneumatic ball joint seperator (pickle fork) attachment for the air hammer ($7). I'm hoping that will make things easier.