Removing a Stuck CV Axle Inner Joint

A simple method to remove a stuck inner cv joint on an Acura Integra using basic tools. Please exercise care not to damage expensive internal transaxle components.

[dannylottimer]

You have saved me my man! My 93’ Camry, went to go replace the axles and had the same issue on the driver side. I pulled the passenger side, had the realization i had a center pin for the diff. Much appreciated safe to say. Even in 2024 it’s usefull👍

[kaganhudayar]

I had the exact same problem with my MDX. I own Acura's official service manual, and even it says to "tap" it out from behind. Firstly, it's really hard to get a good angle, especially when working on the ground. I spent 2 hours messing with that thing, and I had pulled the cross out of the can as well in frustration. Finally, I went to harbor freight and found a HUGE adjustable wrench. It's about 1/2 inch thick, and 24 or so inches long. The head was bigger than my fist. It was just on a whim. I got under the car, adjusted the wrench to about the size of the spindle and slipped it in behind the can. I just wanted to see if I had room to maneuver and I pulled on the wrench handle back toward the tranny. That fucking can flew out like it was shot out of a cannon, I didn't put more than 5-10 lbs of weight on it. Leverage is a remarkable thing. I couldn't believe I'd spent 2 hours trying to tap it out.

[spelunkerd]

That's a thoughtful tip, undoubtedly borne from hours of frustration. I had some difficulty with a chev cv axle, but it suddenly popped out without having to take the opposite side off. The engineers glibly talk about shifting the axle up and down and rotating, but sometimes it simply won't move.

[bgpautomotive]

@grjr, you helped me finally overcome this roadblock I have been dealing with for 3 years. The trick is to put the car in neural. I had it in park. I by no means claim to be an expert at this.

[havenocat]

Tried the screwdriver and pry bar too and no luck. Used a wedge chisel between the shaft and trans and knocked it loose with 3 light taps with a hammer. Easy!!

[RiffWrath]

This is exactly what I needed to see.  Thank you, sir.

[StephenCunningham]

Slide hammer with visegrips worked for me.

[richardschnee]

I had the same problem but i found out that the join has to come out straight and prying will not work if you use 2 wedges on both sides and hit them with a hammer evenly it will pop right out its held in by a retainer and can not be pryed out

[barni]

exact same problem with a mk2 punto, huge thanks!

[grjr]

Yes, I wasted a lot of time trying to get the joint to pop out. That's why I posted this video in the hopes that it helps others in a similar situation :)

[rkgvideos]

I'm stuck exactly like you did where you couldn't remove the passenger side cv axle inner joint from transmission. Tried everything. Mine is a '97 Honda Civic dx manual. And my questions to you are: 1. I've heard that you are not supposed to pull out both axles at the same time since it can cause some sort of mis-alignment in the transmission. Is it true & would I mess anything up if I continue with your idea as you've shown? and 2. that the video you demonstrated with the nail to tap out the stubborn cv axle, was it on a honda/integra auto or on a manual transmission (since my issue is with the manual) ? Tks   

[jwwilliams]

This is pretty much what I'm attempting to do also except I'm using a long flat head screwdriver because my transmission is still in the car and getting a hammer up in that area is not happening. I'll get several extentions on the end of the screwdriver out side the passenger side fender well so I can get a hammer at it.  I did get an idea though from your video and that is to bend the tip of my long screw drive because getting it in there with out it trying to go in between the shaft and the spline or whatever you call it is not easy unless you bend it so I'll be going out and giving it another try.. Thanks for the video.

[Slobro_]

Took a chain wrapped it around the axle behind, joined them together and took a puller with a hook bang bang out quick and easy.

[Chryco_]

this assumes you can get the other side out

[roughcamaro]

Thank you for your video!! Exactly what I was looking for!  

[joed]

You don't need to remove the Diff. There is a tool available that is similar to the tie rod end removal tool AKA pickle fork. Available for rent at many parts stores. Got mine from Pep Boys. I used this tool and popped the axle out in less than one minute.

[kainanjeffers]

Your supposed to apply down pressure on the outer end then pop it out

[jackle]

If the cv isn't embedded down into a hole and flat like that one all you need is a large pickle fork which will have 100 times more removing force than that cry bar. Unfortunately on this 91 Camry the driver side is embedded in a hole instead of having a flat surface so a pickle fork won't work.

[adamhonda]

I have a pry bar as tall as me and I still can't get it out

[MultiGazman]

Great stuff, How many people would think to take out the opposite side and fo this?