Need info on half shaft replacement

[dav305z]

I know the CV's are going on my 2000 GTP - they're slinging grease and making a noise when I turn hard. I'm going to replace the half shafts myself, and had a couple of questions:

1)Am I better off with new aftermarket or low mileage OEM's? This is basically my choice. I know some aftermarket ones are junk but I've heard the ones from wbodystore are good. Any others that I could look out for? I can't afford new GM's.

2) Does anyone have detailed instructions on replacing the half-shaft? Do I need any special tools?

3) What happens when the CV's fail and how much warning would I have? I ask because I am hoping to get the car home to Chicago (all the way from MD) before doing this. I don't want to drive it all day on the highway if there's a risk of a high speed accident, but if it's just going to get noisy then I'd rather wait until I'm home with access to more tools and help if I need it.


Thanks in advance for any help.

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

Generally they don't fail but if it is slinging grease the boot is busted. Sand and crap will get in there and stick in the grease and wear out the joint.

If you catch it right away you can just take out the shaft, take it apart and clean out the grease/grit then put new grease a new boot and put it in and you're perfect.

Kinda like having a nail in the tire, you can put the patch and it's fine for a long time but if you drive on the flat...

Generally the rebuilders are pretty quick and cheap

Don't think you need any tools aside from the big nut

[Johnny P]

You'll need an impact, a 36mm(it should be this size) socket for the axle nut, sockets for the ball joint and outer tie rod.

Remove the wheel and axle nut. Remove the outer tie rod from the spindle. Seperate the ball joint. Both of these tasks will require the use of a hammer. Once the ball joint and tie rod are out of the way, swing the whole assy out and tap the axle out of the hub with a hammer. Now get under the car and use a prybar to remove the axle from the transmission.

[dav305z]

How would I tell if the joint is bad once I open it up? I see the boot and grease is only like $8, so it might be worth a shot to just clean and regrease it. Does anyone have instructions for doing this?

[Johnny P]

Is it popping and cracking around tight corners? If so, it's bad.

If you don't see an enormous amount of grease thrown out then I'd just stick a boot on it. You'll need to remove the axle just same. Cut the clamps off the boot and slide it off the outer(big) end. Use a heavy hammer and tap on the outer joint until it comes off the axle shaft. Clean everything up and put the new boot on. You'll want to fill the boot with grease before you tap the joint back onto the shaft.

You will need a couple special tools for this job. You'll likely need a pick or snap ring pliers for the clips on the ends of the axle shaft. You'll also need a boot clamp tool to tighten the clamps. You could probably get the clamp tool at AutoZone pretty cheap.

You could also probably remove the axle and take it to a shop and have them swap the boots if needed.