Nissan Repair: Right CV Joint, cv joints, cv axle

Question
Thanks again for the advice you have given me.
My 1995 Quest has a bad right CV Joint. I’m pretty good at using the manual and doing the repairs on my own. I’m a little stumped on this one because both my manuals say to remove the left axle first. I know that if I am changing one I should do both but because of funds I can only do one. The left boot is still intact. The right is shot and it’s starting to click while cornering. Twice a week or so I’ve been greasing it up good. Next week I’m making an 800 mile round trip with it and want to get the axle done before I go.
So, can I do the right side without removing the left and do you have any tips to make it go smoothly?
Thanks so much for your time.
Joe

Answer
Joe,

You can do the CV joints independently.  No need to remove the other one if the boot is still good.  If you have the tools and know what you are doing you can be done in a couple of hours.  I would recommend a aront end alignment after you do the replacement.  I would first jack it up on the right and chock the back tire and get a jack stand in place.  Now that you have everything up and supported remove the tire.  Now, remove the caliper and then the tie rod end.  Then, remove the strut from the spindle and the nut from the CV axle.  Now, slide the spindle off the CV and get at the bolts on the intermediary shaft and remove them.  Should be six bolts in all and then the sahaft should come out.  Reassembly is the reverse of removal.