Half Shaft Change out

Checksix · Post by **Checksix** » 13 Nov 2010, 21:01

The objective today was to replace the driver's half shaft (axel) on my 2001 V70 T5a. All went well on the disassembly, but started having issues putting it back together. The 1st was the install of the half shaft into the tranny. Dang, I didn't realize you had to force it so much. Anyhow, it's in. The lower A arm is being replaced as well, as the dealer reported them bad when they did the fuel pump recall. Once the old one was out, I could see it wasn't bad, but since I had the new one in hand.....

Where I'm stalled out right now, is getting the lower ball joint back into the A arm. I installed the A arm very loose. The 01 MY is a bit different than what I had previously read on the forums, and looks like it requires the inner mounts to be installed loose first, then attach the ball joint. In doing it this way, I can't over come the strut spring to move the hub assembly up enough to get the ball joint reattached to the A arm. I have a floor jack and tried compressing it, but couldn't manage to pull it off. So now I'm considering removing the strut assembly tomorrow so I can then reattach the ball joint to the A arm. Then it should be easier to jack up the A arm to re-attach the strut. Should I 1st install the ball joint connection and then the A arm frame connections? Not sure this is possible.

Is there an easier way?

Jerry

Checksix · Post by **Checksix** » 14 Nov 2010, 18:26

I finally finished, but to get the ball joint in the A-arm, and have the A arm mounted required me to remove the strut. I could get real close by installing the A-arm chassis mounts 1st, but no cigar. Putting the ball joint on 1st, wouldn't let me align the chassis mounts. Probably could have done it with a spring compressor, but want to do the job with common tools of the garage. Even using my floor jack to help compress the strut didn't help. I'm also quite thankful for air tools, which made this a much easier process. The most difficult nut was the rear A-arm mount where I needed a 3-foot cheater bar!

I hope this might help someone who takes on this job. While a lot of wrenching, I'd rate this as capable for most shade tree mechanics.

Jerry