NSW: Glen's first major recovery!

[williade Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close williade]

Curiously, what tools are needed to remove the front axle?

I think he just cut the inner CV boot clamp and pulled the axle and boot out of the inner CV cup.

[williade Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close williade]

I'm amazed at the damage as well!! It's not surprising to break a CV in that situation, but all the previous CV's failed at the joints, not the actual shaft. I'm just glad it was the CV not any other driveline components, which is why I'll keep using normal CV's. In this case it was a Repco one, which have a thicker shaft than standard, but who knows how their strength compares.

You might want to keep an eye on the front diff carrier bearings. Because the front crown wheel and pinion are reverse cut, you would have been driving on the coast side of the crown wheel teeth which would put a lot more thrust load than normal on one side of the diff carrier.

Its lucky you have Nitro gears. I reckon the stock crown wheel would have given up before the axle snapped, under these conditions.

[Matty80 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Matty80]

Sounds like an EPIC effort mate, good work!!!

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

Thanks everyone for your comments!

I think he just cut the inner CV boot clamp and pulled the axle and boot out of the inner CV cup.

Yes, that's right. All I needed was a wire clipper and rags. The shaft was easily removed straight down between the lower arms, and both ends of the CV axle are still in the car. However, this is only because the outer section snapped - if it were the inner, I would have had to perform a full replacement, or close to it. From now on I'm going to keep a spare outer axle/joint in the car (just the outer section for the hub assembly)... so I'll shouldn't have to muck around with a full axle replacement on the trail.

LFaR,
Tools required for a full replacement: Jack, flat screwdriver and hammer to remove hub cap, breaker bar + socket for axle nut (size can vary), socket set (for wheel nuts, brake caliper bracket, brake line bracket, bolts holding the spindle to the lower ball joint), zip ties (to support brakes), crow bar or cold chisel (to pop inner cup out of diff), replacement CV axle, and everything required for a front diff oil change (allen key fitting, oil, pump). I think that's it!?

You might want to keep an eye on the front diff carrier bearings. Because the front crown wheel and pinion are reverse cut, you would have been driving on the coast side of the crown wheel teeth which would put a lot more thrust load than normal on one side of the diff carrier.

Its lucky you have Nitro gears. I reckon the stock crown wheel would have given up before the axle snapped, under these conditions.

When I started reversing my main concern was the diffs for that reason, and the transfer, so I kept it steady. When the big snap occurred, I was prepared for the worst... but seeing the twisted CV boot provided a little relief!!

I'll inspect the diff oil carefully when I change the entire shaft, hopefully this weekend.. *crosses fingers*

[mastermanoj Member Find all posts View Profile Close mastermanoj]

Well I know you normally dont need it .....but its always better to have a company

Cheers
MAX

[CaLLaN 52 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close CaLLaN 52]

Hi Glen,
lucky your handy with the mechanical side of 4x4 driving, not sure if i could change a cv at home never mind in the bush.
Just out of interest how much is a replacement cv & do you think it would be wise to always carry a spare when off road?

Cheers,
Steve Johno

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

Hi Glen,
lucky your handy with the mechanical side of 4x4 driving, not sure if i could change a cv at home never mind in the bush.
Just out of interest how much is a replacement cv & do you think it would be wise to always carry a spare when off road?

Cheers,
Steve Johno

Cheers Johno,
Yup, this is the exact reason I've been doing as much mechanical work on my car as possible, so I can deal with break downs on the trails. I think anyone you offroads regularly should do the same if they can.

On the 90 you're looking at $130 - $170 for a reconditioned original, $220 for a brand new aftermarket, or around $800 for a genuine. I actually keep a spare CV in the car on all trips, and all the tools - but in this case, by pure luck of where it broke, I was able to perform a much quicker fix and drive home

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

Hi Glen,
lucky your handy with the mechanical side of 4x4 driving, not sure if i could change a cv at home never mind in the bush.
Just out of interest how much is a replacement cv & do you think it would be wise to always carry a spare when off road?

Cheers,
Steve Johno

Hmm, do you mean; would it be wise for other Prado owners to carry a spare? For most people; no need, but if you've broken one before or have a front locker and play in rocks, then yes.

[CaLLaN 52 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close CaLLaN 52]

Hi Glen,

I do like a few challenging tracks now & then, but in all my time off Roading, I've never done a cv, I've had a series 40/60/80 Disco 2 $ 2 Prado's maybe ive been very lucky, when I watch Roothy on his 4WD Action DVD he seems to break a few.
Hope I haven't Put a jinks on me now. He he!