Hi Im new the the Subaru world. I just picked up my grandparents gl wagon they bought brand new.

 

It has a bad CV on the driver's side. Is it hard to get the axle shaft out of the bearings? Is it something i can do myself?

 

Thanks in advance.

Kevin

You need a good 1/2" breaker bar, a can of PB Blaster to soak the rust for a few days, pair of needle nose pliers for the cotter key, socket to fit nut and breaker bar, punch to remove roll pin, etc. torque Wrench to finish the new install axle nut. Probably a cheater pipe for the said breaker bar.

Hi Im new the the Subaru world. I just picked up my grandparents gl wagon they bought brand new.

 

It has a bad CV on the driver's side. Is it hard to get the axle shaft out of the bearings? Is it something i can do myself?

 

Thanks in advance.

Kevin

 

And yes it takes a little to get in and out of the bearings. Just thread the axle nut back on until flush with end of axle and hit with hammer until you can slowly work it out!

Word of advice I can give you is to not put an Autozone axle in there. I stand by MWE axles, others by Subaru axles.

MilesFox has done several how-to's

 

disconnect from trans stubs before removing from wheel end

yeah you can definitely do this yourself. a torch (even a little tiny propane job) is awesome for axle nuts. heat just the nut up and it'll come off much easier.

 

i've broken 3 1/2" socket wrenches and "breaker" bars...how nice of them to live out their name for me!? i bought a 3/4" socket set just for axle nuts, wow my life is much easier now.

 

you will likely need a 3 foot piece of pipe over the socket to get it off. other than the axle nut, it's a fairly straight forward job.

 

a 3/16" punch or axle roll pin removal tool is nice for knocking the pin out and back in.

 

please do not buy any aftermarket axles. your best bet is a genuine subaru axle (new$$$$$ or used and install new boots) or an MWE axle. MWE is a private subaru axle rebuilder out of colorado, he does fantastic work. a friend of mine didn't listen and in a year his "new" axle is already vibrating.

 

please search on here about axle issues before ignoring that last paragraph and save yourself the headache.

yeah you can definitely do this yourself. a torch (even a little tiny propane job) is awesome for axle nuts. heat just the nut up and it'll come off much easier.

 

i've broken 3 1/2" socket wrenches and "breaker" bars...how nice of them to live out their name for me!? i bought a 3/4" socket set just for axle nuts, wow my life is much easier now.

 

you will likely need a 3 foot piece of pipe over the socket to get it off. other than the axle nut, it's a fairly straight forward job.

 

a 3/16" punch or axle roll pin removal tool is nice for knocking the pin out and back in.

 

please do not buy any aftermarket axles. your best bet is a genuine subaru axle (new$$$$$ or used and install new boots) or an MWE axle. MWE is a private subaru axle rebuilder out of colorado, he does fantastic work. a friend of mine didn't listen and in a year his "new" axle is already vibrating.

 

please search on here about axle issues before ignoring that last paragraph and save yourself the headache.

 

Does MWE make axles for the EA81's? If so how much and is there any warranty on them?

Here's a few posts in the USRM to get you going.

Don't get frustrated, you really don't know what your doing untill you do 3 or 4 of these.

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=77491

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=75786

It's best to bring your old axle with you when you pick up the new one, or be sure they order the right one. 2 wheel drive vs 4 wheel drive, auto vs manual, turbo vs non-turbo.

Does MWE make axles for the EA81's? If so how much and is there any warranty on them?

give them a call.

they don't "make", they rebuild to OEM spec's. as long as parts are still available i don't see why they wouldn't. if it's a less common axle you might just have to wait, where common stuff he has on the shelf ready to go. he came up with XT6 axles for me quick enough.

I've had axles that absolutely would not move in the hub until that beveled washer directly behind the axle nut was first removed. Once the washer was removed the axle most of the time just moved freely. Go figure.

Unless I missed it in reading the earlier posts, you'll need a 36mm socket to remove the axle nut. Check the USRM for info on removing/replacing the axle. MWE would be my first choice for a replacement axle.

Hi Im new the the Subaru world. I just picked up my grandparents gl wagon they bought brand new.

 

First: Since no one said the obvious...

I see this is your first post and a New-2-you Subaru.

 

Welcome too the board...

 

You have chosen wisely.... go slow, learn and bond.

 

It has a bad CV on the driver's side. Is it hard to get the axle shaft out of the bearings?

It isn't tough to get it out, but can be a little struggle puting a new one in but you don't need SPECIAL TOOLS, but you will need to have some specific tools. (Punch, Socket, cotter pin, some washers-spacers- [use the spacers to help pull the axle back into the hub by the use of the castle nut.] I did several before I got a torque wrench...., look above at the tool bar section for "search" and do a search , ton's of info.

 

Is it something i can do myself?

Absolutly, the first time takes awhile, after that they gets easier and the other posts, write ups start making sense. These are very forgiving cars and great too learn on.

 

Suggestions: Get new inner and outer seals (about $13. each) Latex type gloves, assure solid support under car (don't trust jack) and back wheels blocked... work safe and enjoy.

 

shhhh......One last snippet.... I buy the cheap remanufactured turd axles at my local parts stores... I'm cheap.... yes, the other's ordered in are better and will last longer... etc.. etc...and I should try ther others, someday I will, but hey... my choice.

Edited November 22, 200817 yr by Indrid cold