QuestionQUESTION: How do you replace a broken left ft axle on '00 cirrus 2.4L? The lower ball joint broke & broke inner cv joint. Do I need any specialty tools? Thank You BIG time! Jim Farrell
ANSWER: Hi Jim,
I don't think you need special tools, but a manual that shows how to take apart the front suspencion would help. Do you have a Haynes #25015 manual or access to it from a library? If not let me know and I can xerox and postal mail you the 20 or so pages. If you would send me back 6 44-cent stamps to cover my cost that would be appreciated.
Roland
PS Sorry for the delay but I just found your question in the 'pool' to which it had been referred by the other expert.
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QUESTION: I really appreciate ur response!! Thank you!!! Hopefully if you can just tell me how to remove & re install / replace the drivers side, left axle from transaxle, that would do it. I just haven't been able to pull what's left of the axle, cv joint housing, splines out of the transaxle. Do I need to remove the Uh?-pinion pan it looks like? to get to the c-clip off/on splined axle or just pry harder on cv & trans housing to POP, force it out? The more I pried the more it moved. Then put new/replacement cv axle in transaxle (& c-clip)and then axle into wheel bearing and then put new ball joint in? That's what it looks like after getting under the car. Also if you know, is there an axle seal I need to replace & probably Hypoid 90 gear oil as to ATFIV(4)? Actually I'll know once its apart but for those reading.... & THX Again!!
AnswerHi Jim,
You do have to pry on (pop force) the tripod joint/transaxle housing interface until they separate (when the c-clip releases them). It might help to support the rest of the axle so it is lined up with the axis of the slined end that is inside the trans housing. There is an oil seal in the housing right at the outer edge so take care after thd c-clip releasesa and you go to separate that you don't damage that seal when pulling the end of the axle out of the housing (don't let spline or snap ring drag on the seal).
The fluid is ATF+4 which is shared with the rest of the transmission, so don't mix in any other type of lubricant.
When installing new unit, lightly lube the spline/sealing surface of tripod which will be in contact with oil seal using ATF. Then insert into trans carefully and then push it in hard until the c-ring snaps into locked position.
Be sure the items at the outer end of the shaft and the hub into which it is inserted are clean of debris and free of moisture before inserting it. Then install steering knuckle and tighten castellated nut to 70 foot-pounds. Tie rod end gets tightened to 45 foot-pounds using a crowfoot on the nut and an 11/32 on the end of the stud.
Best of luck, and you are welcome.
Roland
