Michael Pardee wrote:
> "James Goforth" <jamiegoforth DeleteThis @webtv.net> wrote in message
>
>> A friend has a '95 Accord wagon and has found both front CV shafts in
>>need of replacement.
>> I told him he can use my shop to replace them and that I'll help;
>>however I'm not experienced with Hondas at all and I just wanted to pop
>>in here to ask if there are any special tools needed, or perhaps
>>procedures to make it easier or to avoid problems, certain things to
>>'look for', etc.
>> Or is it (like I'd expect) a pretty straightforward job?
> It takes a couple of semi-special tools to do two parts of the job. First,
> the axle nut is not only staked on (meaning it will need a hammer and punch
> at least to unstake it) but it is supremely tight. It can be broken loose
> with a several foot breaker bar on a socket (the socket will also will not
> be in any normal socket set; it is more than 30 mm - sizes vary) and lots of
> inventive language, or with an impact driver and impact socket. I recommend
> renting an electric impact driver with socket unless money is *really*
> tight. It makes a hard job easy. Measure the axle nut; it will be an even
> number of mm. I've seen 34 and 36 mm.
If you go the breaker bar route, take the trouble to find a 3/4 inch
specimen. Having changed two 92 accord axles recently, I can say with
some authority that a 1/2 breaker bar will likely....break. After
killing one bar, I drown the nut in penetrating lubricant - it didn't
seem to do a dang thing, and I broke the next, more heavily built, bar
(admittedly, it was a $10 Harbor Freight lump.)
Looking around, I could't find a 36mm (your size may vary) socket in
3/4, so I eventually bought a cheap air compresser and impact wrench at
the local Big Box. (they had a sale on a nice Ingersol gun + 3/8 wrench
kit.) 5 seconds of full reverse and that #%^$@ nut was off.
I've heard stories of the less robust electric guns not getting it done.
Rent the bigest one you can find. Depending on the rental shop, you
might even sweet talk them into a "5 minute rental" for cheap. Buz the
nut loose, then you can then tighten it with the bar, drive home, and
easily remove it to do the work.
Along the same lines, if you have a regular mechanic, he will probably
buz the thing loose for a few bucks. I had a hell of a time convincing
the local shops that a loose nut wouldn't wreck the bearings or fall off
within 5 seconds. YMMV.
> The other hard part is separating the ball joint to allow the hub to swing
> far enough out to get the axle loose. DO NOT use a "pickle fork" as it will
> almost certainly destroy the grease boot - those are only useful if the ball
> joint is not going to be reused. See TeGGeR's page at
> http://tegger.com/hondafaq/disconnect.html for options. You may even be able
> to "borrow" a ball joint separator from Auto Zone - if they are around you -
> under their loan program. IIRC Checker Auto advertised the same program
> recently but I haven't checked it out.
There is one more tool to look into. Buy a short, wide, pry bar to pop
the axle out of the transmission. The retaining circlip can put up a
bit of a fight.
Another tip: Jack both sides off the ground OR remove the sway bar
linkage. Otherwise the bar will fight you as you try to move the lower
control arm down and off the ball joint.
-Greg
>> Stay informed about: '95 Accord CV shafts 
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