How to Replace a Front Axle Half Shaft

In this episode of Saturday Mechanic, Ben Wojdyla shows how to replace a axle (half shaft) on a Pontiac.

In this episode, Popular Mechanics' Associate Auto Editor Ben Wojdyla:
* Removes the axle bolt
* Removes the old axle
* Installs the new axle

Who says you can't work on your own car anymore? Follow Popular Mechanics associate auto editor Ben Wojdyla as he leads viewers, step by step, through repairs, upgrades, and troubleshooting tips. Got car questions? Email Ben, and he may answer them on the show.

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[oroguy]

Wow, a mechanic video with great sound quality! I could actually hear what Ben was saying. Very helpful video, thanks for offering it to us.

[Chris]

I can respect that I mean in our automotive class we have cars that are in the same condition as that one that go no where that we repair parts on as a learning experience. These vids will help me out in my career as well. From a technician in training over here I want to say keep up the good vids Ben.

-Chris

[canadmos]

Call me a nerd, but I love watching these videos. Informative yet entertaining and straight forward.

The internet is full of amazing free material, and this is one perfect example. Even if I never actually do this repair, at least now I know what it being done to my car and what to look out for.

Thanks!

[dhflannagan]

Great video and commentary. All the little verbal tricks you tell us are a great help. Thanks so much. It wasn't half as complicated as I thought it would be!

[dustinsadler]

Your video was very good. It was way more clear and to the point than any others ive seen on this subject. Thank you so much for posting this one. I am changing the half shafts on a 1999 Chevy Malibu 2.4L. So pretty much the same as the car you did as far as how it's constructed. Thanks again.

[east]

Excellent!  I watched the video a couple of times and decided I could replace the half shaft on a 2003 Buick Rendezvous.  Bought the part and took the old one out.  Everything you said would happen did happen.  Watched the video in spots to verify what I was doing.  No problems!  I don't understand how a dealership can justify their charges for this job.

[rush]

You make these jobs look so easily done. Video as usual is on spot — hopefully I can do an awesome job even as close as you did. 😁

[HILLBILLYinHELL]

I like how your directions were clear and easy to understand. No long jokes or funny voices just telling us what we will need to do and showing us easy enough to figure out. Some of the guys on here thing they are funny with voice or joke if I want that I will look that up. Thanks again for making a great video and I not only saved this video I subscribed for future jobs I might have to do.

[frnzy]

Great video bro thank you so much i got a shitbox ive had to change bearings on, shocks, brakes, tie rods, ball joints, tires you name it and this is the most consice video ive seen so far, thanks bro hope youre doing good

[DNangel]

Nice job. Thank you for taking the time to do this video! From Palmyra, Maine

[mylifeisJDM]

Thanks Ben and C/D for this awesome video. Very well shot and informative.

[elgringiototote]

This was the first significant repair I ever did. Very straight forward on my first love, my crx

[joed]

I tried your pry bar method on my Jeep Commander, All went well until time to pop out the axle. It would not come out. I pried and pried, I actually bent the Axle drive shaft seal and the oil started leaking out. Unfortunately none of the local parts stores had the seal. Have to visit dealer in the morning. You should mention that there is a tool similar to the tie rod end remover (aka pickle fork) that can be rented from parts store. Once I got this tool and hit with a BFH the axle popped right out. Took all of 1 minute. Never do this repair on a Sunday.

[rexslipka]

IT would of been nice to mention about replacing the cv axle seal while you had the shaft out, but enjoyed the video good job

[bri-icnp]

Good job mate, very well put together and step by stepped

[michaelmclernon]

Kudos on a well done video, it is good that he mentioned about the two strut bolts likely to affect alignment (camber), even if they aren't the adjustable type there is usually enough play to affect position, when reassembling. Most of these videos ignore this. He didn't mention to be prepared that a lot of transaxle fluid can drip out of the axle opening while the shaft is out. If he has enough mileage on the vehicle to warrant drive shaft replacement for whatever reason, he should have replaced the transaxle output seal while he was in there - a lot easier than finding that the hardened old seal didn't take kindly to being disturbed like this. Just saying, that's how I would do it.Those joints don't really wear out unless the c/v joint boots are torn for a length of time, so I wonder why he didn't just replace the boots. Taking the two c/v joints apart and cleaning, inspecting and re greasing isn't that much more work, I've done dozens of them.Those c/v joints are nearly indestructible and no great mystery to work on.

[stevenoliveri]

THANK YOU for this! I did it once on my 2003 Mitsubish Outlander. Now I need to replace the drivers side AGAIN only after 3 years. The original lasted 10. Just needed to refresh my memory. Not sure why there are no posts for Mitsubishi Outlanders. Am I the only one who has one of these? Great cars.

[aubreyammons]

Ben, You have A great help. I have 3 cars and I will come back to you as needed. THANKS.

[tragichero]

lost the title.... i think its awesome that your not BSing us! thats one of the reasons i love this show

[johnipennie]

Thanks so much Ben. You explain everything so well.