I have a torn inner boot on my RH front axle and grease is getting slung on my DP (stinky). I think it may have been the source of some grease I had seen last fall here: http://wrxatlanta.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29357 I have done a bit of searching and the general consensus is that it is a pretty easy job. My questions are: 1. Is there any advantage of going with OEM Subaru axle. Looks like about 4 times the cost ($350 vs $80)? 2. Will the new axle come with a new roll pin and new axle nuts or do I need to get these at the dealer? 3. Roll pin size for the shaft to the transmission stub - 7/32 right? 4. The FSM mentions a special tool - axle shaft puller and puller plate (ST1 and ST2) to remove the shaft from hub assembly. Is this necessary?
1. No, the ones you can get from Carquest are actually nicer than the factory ones. 2. No, you can reuse the roll pin and axle nut. I know it says not to but I promise nothing is going to happen. 3. You don't need a new one. 4 You won't need any special tools.
I second everything said above. I have replaced 4 axles with NAPA parts and did not need any "special" tools. My new axles did come with new pins though. I also got new axle nuts because it wasn't much additional cost, but its probably not necessary.
Come by my house David and I will help you. It takes longer to jack up the car and put it on stands than to get the axle out/in.
Thanks for the offer to help. I have a friend up by my work with a lift who said he would help. If that falls through I may be in touch!
same for XT's? should one also assume these are the same axles on an XT? if you've owned a honda, would you compare this install to the axle install on a honda? I also need to do the PS front axle b/c now the BOOT is missing ...already slung the grease out. Joe
I dont think it is the same part number but it is probably the exact same method for removal/installation. It is far easier to change on a Subaru than on a Honda. You dont have to remove the knuckle from the a-arm. There is a bolt that holds the caster onto the knuckls that you can remove so the knuckle itself actually stays in the a arm. No special tools needed.
Thanks for all the encouragement. Got this done a couple of weeks ago. No problems. Guess I won't be afraid of the next one.