Hey ya'll, I am getting ready to spend some time in the garage with my WRX. One of the projects I have is fixing the torn boot on the front left outer axle shaft. Thought I had everything to do the job but after checking someone's method they recommend replacing the axle nut and axle pin. Its a 2002 WRX wagon. 160k on the car, not sure if this has been done before. How important is it to replace these parts? This will be my first CV boot replacement. I have new oem inner and outer boots, bands, and grease. Will also be doing a strut swap at the same time. Gracias.
yeah, the FSM says to replace those parts, so I always replace them. (same with the 2 nuts on the strut) inspect the pin and nut after you remove them.
oh hey look what I found. http://ken-gilbert.com/wrx/mans/0 - Manual Main Menu.pdf i neither advocate nor advise downloading anything you find on the internet due to the possible dubious legal status of this being on the internet.
Yes the service manual says to replace the axle nut and pin. But no, it is not 100 percent necessary. I've done front diff side bearing o-rings and clutch jobs plenty of times without replacing said parts without any problems. Especially with the axle nut, you will have to make sure its not too mangled where it was staked and can be reused. And you can remove it just fine without fighting to push the stake back out. Also. If you got factory clamps, they require a special tool to get them tight enough. I only ever saw this tool at Subaru. Since I left there, I have just used Napa clamps with their pinching tool without a problem on any jobs I've done. Another thing, I have the speciality axle pin tool that makes getting the axle pins in and out super easy. If you were willing to do the job at my place, I would be happy to let you use my tools and give you any advice to make it easier for you.
Yeah, thanks. I found that site before and only clicked on the first link and thought it was closed. But now i've got it.
Thanks for your offer. I live in the SE corner of the state so it would be difficult with my schedule. I don't have my own garage but my neighbor lets me use his. Just trying to line everything up so I can get in and out in a day. Have a full strut spring swap, cv fix, and I'm replacing my coil packs. Getting impatient with not driving this car, been one thing after the other. Now I see the previous owners crap paint job is peeling so looks like I have another project over winter break! Thinking about a plasti-dip job.... I'll probably grab the napa straps, don't want a $30+ dollar one use tool.
Yeah, and to be honest, I don't remember what I paid for mine. If you have a clip removing pliers that would do the tighten them also.
