How to Remove a Car Half Shaft?
2 Answers
And support with a jack. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. Remove the brake caliper assembly. Remove the cotter pin from the drive axle. Use a removal tool to detach the tie rod end ball joint from the steering knuckle. Remove the fixing nuts of the control arm to the steering knuckle and ball joint. Drain the drive axle lubricant. Pull the hub/steering knuckle assembly to separate it from the car, so that the drive shaft can be separated from the drive axle. Use a wheel puller to press the drive shaft out of the hub/steering knuckle assembly.
When it comes to removing a car's half-shaft, I must remind you to prioritize safety. First, park the car securely and engage the handbrake, then lift the vehicle using a jack or lift and secure it with stands to prevent it from falling. Next, remove the wheel and fender liner to expose the half-shaft's connection points. Do you see the fixing bolts on the transmission side? Use the appropriate hex key to loosen them, then carefully pry open the clips. The half-shaft and bearing are connected via slots, so gently wiggle it out—avoid using excessive force to prevent damaging the CV joint. As for tools, wrenches and pry bars are essential, and wear gloves to prevent cuts. After removal, take the opportunity to check for bearing wear—it's a good time to replace parts if needed. If there's unusual noise from the wheel bearing, early detection and repair can save you a lot of money. Take your time with the process and proceed step by step; a broken half-shaft is difficult to repair. Experience tells me that with a few more practices, it’ll become smoother.
