How to Replace the Front Axle

To replace the front axle, first lift the car to remove the front wheels. Once the wheels are off, remove the wheel cover by pushing from the back of the wheel using the handle of a tool.

Refit the wheels with only two nuts and remember to engage the handbrake. Now, using the appropriate spanner and a pipe as an extension, loosen the nut. Continue unscrewing the nut completely after lifting the car and removing the wheel.

To remove the axle from the hub, if necessary, use a hammer but to avoid damaging the thread, it is advisable to reattach the nut. Next, unscrew the lower suspension arm, first removing the safety pin. There are various methods, but if you cannot loosen the nuts, you can hit the free part, that is, the lower arm, with a heavy hammer to release the brake plate, which you can tie to one side to avoid obstruction.

Place a container to catch the oil under the transmission and lever it, rotating several times in both directions until the axle is completely extracted.

If the gaiter does not pass, to avoid unscrewing more nuts, you can simply remove the joint gaiter. Clean any excess grease that could damage the rubber of the gaiter.

Before reinstalling the new axle, carefully check that the replacement is exactly the same as the one you just removed. Reinsert the axle, rotating it in both directions as you did previously.

Then reposition the hub with the brake plate, screwing in the nut and also reattaching the lower suspension arm.