Changing front axle u joints

Hey guys, I have been off the XJ scene for a while, and have a question for you afficianados out there. How difficult is it to change the front axle u joint (cv joint?)? I have a line on another xj:clap: , but this will have to be done before I can get it home:doh: , and I will have to do it in my brother in law's garage. How long should it take a novice to moderately not novice wrench to do, and any special considerations that I need to be aware of?

Thanks

BFH a socket too catch the cap and a socket to drive the cap. Bang away! 20 min tops.

PS- don't forget to take out the clips.

How hard is it to get the axle shaft out?

un bolt the wheel, the caliper, and the hub.. you will need to use a hammer/ chisel to seperate the hub from the spindle. You should be able to change the u-joints without taking the axle shaft off from the hub..

This article will tell you how to do it very easily.
http://www.myjeepxj.com/index.php?page=u-joint-replacement
He also has a trick for popping off the hub with zero effort. Very good writeup, went pretty fast.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=723666
There's another link that I wrote up about changing the ball joints and removal of the front axles. As stated the axles don't have to be removed but sometimes it does make it easier when they're in open space and can be moved whatever direction you need.

DrSockMonkey said:

This article will tell you how to do it very easily.
http://www.myjeepxj.com/index.php?page=u-joint-replacement
He also has a trick for popping off the hub with zero effort. Very good writeup, went pretty fast.

Click to expand...

That is awesome!! I have no fear in doing it myself......Now I just hope I can get the guy to sell for what I want to pay!