2000GP
May 22, 2008, 09:05 AM
I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GT with a snapped CV Half Shaft on passenger side. My neighbor is a mechanic and said it would be easy but I have to have a good set of tools. My only thing is I only have the basic tools. I need to get a torque wrench and an axle socket. The only thing is I don't know what size for the axle socket. My other problems is I just wanted to know how exactly to change it. I know I have to take off the wheel, ball joint, tie rod, and then it should pull out is what my neighbor said. So if anybody could help that would be great.
Zack
TxGreaseMonkey
May 22, 2008, 09:37 AM
Selected thoughts:
I'd recommend buying a Haynes Manual for your car. Not getting one would be a mistake for this job. In my opinion, you should use a ball joint separator (puller), not a pickle fork to remove the ball joint. Pickle forks are cheaper but can wreck the boot. It's also best to use a puller on the tie rod. You will likely need an impact wrench to remove the axle nut (possibly 30 mm), since it's probably torqued to around 190 lb-ft. It may be rusted on (spray with P.B. Blaster or Kroil first). You will also need a torque wrench that goes to 250 lb.-ft. Harbor Freight is a good place to buy inexpensive, but well-made, impact sockets that may be large enough for the axle nut ($20). Only buy those that are made in Taiwan, not China. Tools made in Taiwan, in my opinion, are higher quality than those made in China. This is a medium difficulty job.