Drive Axle and Head Gasket Replacements

[MFozz]

I replaced all of my CV boots earlier this year. I used a basic press for fwd or irs vehicles to separate the half shafts from the carrier this way I didn't have to bother with unbolting the carrier. Overall it was a pretty easy job.

The tool I described works by being bolted on to 3 of the lug nuts. Then a large center bolt/punch is tightened which pushes the driveshaft out. I did have to drop the exhaust manifold on one side. It was the drivers side iirc.

The shafts are pretty easy to rebuild. Has one of the joints failed or just the boot torn?

[iaincamp]

I do appreciate this forum's member's depth of knowledge and willingness to share it. After being offered a discounted price of $2500 to change the front rotors, left drive axle and eliminate the leakage on the valve covers, I ordered $700 of parts from Pelican and will bust out tools and skills I put away 30 years ago to:
1. change the front rotors , pads and wear sensors myself (seems pretty straightforward),
2. change the spark plug tubes and re-torque the valve cover bolts (and see if that eliminates the minimal leakage before I go to another DE event), and
3. remove the drive axle and assess the condition. The rubber boot was not torn 6 months ago when I last had it up on a lift, so I may be able to avoid replacement of the entire assembly and just replace the boots and anything damaged inside.

I'll let you know how it goes. It's often a challenge to start taking apart things that have been together and untouched for a dozen years, but I want to enjoy the next 70K miles of use in this very capable and smile-inducing car.

[Kurt V]

Originally Posted by iaincamp

I'll let you know how it goes. It's often a challenge to start taking apart things that have been together and untouched for a dozen years, but I want to enjoy the next 70K miles of use in this very capable and smile-inducing car.

When I changed out my rear wheel bearing last weekend I can report that none of the bolts or nuts were rusted in place. Of course I live in an area that doesn't see a lot of salt on the roads in winter!

[Kurt V]

Originally Posted by MFozz

I replaced all of my CV boots earlier this year. I used a basic press for fwd or irs vehicles to separate the half shafts from the carrier this way I didn't have to bother with unbolting the carrier. Overall it was a pretty easy job.
The tool I described works by being bolted on to 3 of the lug nuts. Then a large center bolt/punch is tightened which pushes the driveshaft out.

I didn't even know they made a tool for this! All I have ever done is just leave the axle nut on so the top of the nut is flush with the end of the axle threads and using a block of wood and a hammer, just tap it out.