removing CV shafts - The Ford Focus Forum

**Mjasinski** · 03-07-2009, 01:50 AM

i am replacing my clutch...among other things... and i am having problems removing the driver CV...the passenger came out like cake, but i am fighting the driver side...any tips or advice?

thanks!

**FORDSVTPARTS** · 03-07-2009, 09:45 AM

The Ford special tool is a giant slide hammer with a fork that fits over the inner end of the shaft.

I've heard that if you do it right you can slide a prybar or someting similar in through the passenger side and use it to pound the driver side shaft out.

Just be sure what you're pounding against before you start hammering away.

**Z63R** · 03-07-2009, 12:46 PM

Reverse that highly technical procedure for installation?

I've never had a Focus driveline apart which is why I ask. I'd love to hear confirmation straight from the horse's mouth...

...so to speak.

**cjmartinyzx3** · 03-07-2009, 01:32 PM

pretty much, but instead of banging the one side you bang the other...

to put it in you push on the hub to make it click back in place

**Mjasinski** · 03-07-2009, 03:38 PM

Steve can you get ahold of said tool?

**FORDSVTPARTS** · 03-07-2009, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mjasinski

Steve can you get ahold of said tool?

I'd have to order one in for you but Yes I can get it, Call me Monday or shoot me a PM as a reminder and I'll check pricing.

**illinipo** · 03-08-2009, 12:53 AM

fit anything you can in between the CV cup and the trans case, then hit the other end with a hammer to pry with impact. Works every time. the circlip inside is designed to pop out with impact, youll never get it just by pushing/pulling you have to hammer it.

**RallyRacer** · 03-08-2009, 06:44 PM

You can get a slide hammer and CV puller attachment at AutoZone for free using their Loan-A-Tool program. I have used the slide hammer and attachment from Autozone a few times and they work perfect on the Focus.

FWD Axle Puller Adapter OEM27058

Slide hammer OEM27033

**FORDSVTPARTS** · 03-09-2009, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RallyRacer

You can get a slide hammer and CV puller attachment at AutoZone for free using their Loan-A-Tool program. I have used the slide hammer and attachment from Autozone a few times and they work perfect on the Focus.

FWD Axle Puller Adapter OEM27058

Slide hammer OEM27033

Nice find Corey!

**COSVT03** · 03-09-2009, 03:43 PM

I just use my bare hands, and pull! a couple eleventy billion times, you reach in there grab it and pull and release and pull and release, one of the times the little clip that holds it in will pop out and you can slide it out. (the only part of the pull that makes the little clip pop out is the initial pull, so after it hits and stops moving you can stop your pull, it is wasted effort at that point)

But that tool sure looks like it makes life easy!

**trahma** · 03-13-2009, 05:38 PM

I rented mine from autozone for $20 and "forgot" to bring it back. I now own a slide hammer

**Mjasinski** · 03-13-2009, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RallyRacer

You can get a slide hammer and CV puller attachment at AutoZone for free using their Loan-A-Tool program. I have used the slide hammer and attachment from Autozone a few times and they work perfect on the Focus.

FWD Axle Puller Adapter OEM27058

Slide hammer OEM27033

ok so now i have these two things, but now i cant get the adapter behind the cv...wow i am failing lol

**trahma** · 03-14-2009, 11:18 PM

I pulled my driver side axle out the other day without any tools by just doing a lot of wiggling. My slide hammer sat and felt neglected.

**SEFOC05** · 03-16-2009, 02:32 AM

when you guys separate the axle from the trans, how do you go about removing the other end? I'm prepariing myself to replace the transmission, and doing alot of reading and seeing how people are going about it. You pull the strut,.. hang the caliper... whats your procedure for the other end of the CV?

**infrareddd** · 03-16-2009, 08:38 AM

Dude, when I removed mine, I had the biggest problem. I had to actually drill a hole through the cup on the output side of the transaxle, run a grade 8 bolt through, attach a 5,000 lb cargo strap to the bolt, drive my pickup onto the lawn, attach the other end of the strap to the bumper, tighten the strap until the car was shifted slightly on the jackstands, and jam a punch between the cup and the transaxle and pound away with a 2 lb sledge. It was some seriously scary redneck engineering.

On a side note, be sure to replace the output shaft seals while you are under there. It's easy and cheap insurance against leaks after reinstallation/replacement of the halfshafts.

**illinipo** · 03-16-2009, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SEFOC05

when you guys separate the axle from the trans, how do you go about removing the other end? I'm prepariing myself to replace the transmission, and doing alot of reading and seeing how people are going about it. You pull the strut,.. hang the caliper... whats your procedure for the other end of the CV?

i dont even touch the caliper bolts, just use various things to hang the knuckle so its not hanging off the brake line

1. pull strut
2. pull tie rod end

done. There is enough range of motion in the ball joint that you dont have to worry about that bolt (which is impossible to move on my car)

also when you do it this way you dont need an alignment.

**Mjasinski** · 03-16-2009, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infrareddd

Dude, when I removed mine, I had the biggest problem. I had to actually drill a hole through the cup on the output side of the transaxle, run a grade 8 bolt through, attach a 5,000 lb cargo strap to the bolt, drive my pickup onto the lawn, attach the other end of the strap to the bumper, tighten the strap until the car was shifted slightly on the jackstands, and jam a punch between the cup and the transaxle and pound away with a 2 lb sledge. It was some seriously scary redneck engineering.

that sounds like the worst idea EVER

**FORDSVTPARTS** · 03-16-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mjasinski

that sounds like the worst idea EVER

X eleventy billion, sounds like a good way to get killed or seriously injured.

**DigitalGT** · 03-16-2009, 02:17 PM

I have an axle puller but I usually just use an 18 inch pry bar and they both pop right out.

If you can get one shaft out, you can always use a long punch and a small sledge to knock remaining shaft out of the diff from the opposite side. There is a pin that goes across the middle though so make sure your punch is on the face of the half shaft and not on the pin. You don't want to wail away on only to realize you just bent the hell out of the wrong part.

I also dress the splines on my new shafts with a small file. A lot of times the clips won't let go or the shaft won't insert because the machined clip channel has a burr in it or there is not enough of a taper on the spline tips. About 5 minutes of TLC per shaft with a small triangular file saves a whole lot of swearing and bashed knuckles later.

**EuroAyres** · 03-17-2009, 06:35 AM

mine just pulled out on the pass side. On the drivers i used one of those flat pry bar/nail puller deals carpenters use to pry against the trans and the axle. It slid out with a few prys. Be sure if you pry not to just start prying but set it up to pry and give the bar some hits first to knock it loose. If you need ill put mine back in and show you as its on the floor right now anyways. pm me if so since i may not check this thread again.

**infrareddd** · 03-17-2009, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FORDSVTPARTS

X eleventy billion, sounds like a good way to get killed or seriously injured.

I didn't say it was a good idea. lol in fact, it was a horrible idea that somehow managed to work without killing or injuring anyone. As I said, redneck engineering and a hell of a lot of "Hey y'all! Watch this!"

**ghostrider86** · 03-17-2009, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DigitalGT

I have an axle puller but I usually just use an 18 inch pry bar and they both pop right out.

If you can get one shaft out, you can always use a long punch and a small sledge to knock remaining shaft out of the diff from the opposite side. There is a pin that goes across the middle though so make sure your punch is on the face of the half shaft and not on the pin. You don't want to wail away on only to realize you just bent the hell out of the wrong part..

This is exactly how i do it, i am doing transmission #20 something today and have found the punch the best way. I have tried all others.
To put it back in i hold the hub in my hand, slide the shaft in the trans and use it like a slide hammer. The weight of that hub works nicely to get it seated. Make sure its totally seated, they can go 3/4 way in and leak like heck!
As someone else said, get the new seals........worth every penny!
Also when taking the trans out, remove all of the driver side subframe bolts and all but the far outside passenger bolts(the outside of the two together) and rotate teh subframe back, that will give you the extra room you need to get that trans out quick!
The rest is covered pretty good in other threads. Good luck!

**Mjasinski** · 03-17-2009, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infrareddd

I didn't say it was a good idea. lol in fact, it was a horrible idea that somehow managed to work without killing or injuring anyone. As I said, redneck engineering and a hell of a lot of "Hey y'all! Watch this!"

you should probably not work on cars anymore.....

.......

**Liquid_02_ZX3** · 03-18-2009, 04:21 PM

A pry bar, or large flathead has always gotten them out just fine.

**bluefociZX3** · 03-23-2009, 11:16 AM

here is what i use my old man made it

03-07-2009, 01:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
Mjasinski Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 1,643	removing CV shafts i am replacing my clutch...among other things... and i am having problems removing the driver CV...the passenger came out like cake, but i am fighting the driver side...any tips or advice? thanks! __________________ 2000 Autumn Orange ZX3 "Op Orange" 2000 CD Silver ZX3 "Bullet" the beater *2005 Pitch Black ZX3, not mine but i do all the work on it* My Space

03-07-2009, 09:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
FORDSVTPARTS Premier Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 8,235	Re: removing CV shafts The Ford special tool is a giant slide hammer with a fork that fits over the inner end of the shaft. I've heard that if you do it right you can slide a prybar or someting similar in through the passenger side and use it to pound the driver side shaft out. Just be sure what you're pounding against before you start hammering away. __________________ To order from me just call 1-800-328-9552 and ask for Steve or use one of the methods below. Now accepting online orders here http://www.tousleyfordparts.com You can also find us here http://forums.focaljet.com/tousley-ford/ 2002 Silver SVT #2952 , custom CAI , Stage 2 throttle body, VF rear mount, FRPP 9mm wires, EAP/MACH HID's, Borla exhaust, K-W springs, FRPP UDP, Screamin Demon coil, Tuned by Mike at Unique Tuning in S.C.

03-07-2009, 12:46 PM	#3 (permalink)
Z63R Official [FJ] Distinguished Advisor Join Date: May 2004 Location: El Lay Ca Posts: 22,829	Re: removing CV shafts Reverse that highly technical procedure for installation? I've never had a Focus driveline apart which is why I ask. I'd love to hear confirmation straight from the horse's mouth... ...so to speak. __________________ . "I replaced the battery cables to the starter. I've been dreading it since the PowerWorks severely restricts access to the starter... A good job for a 6'2" 150lb pianist, but not so hot for a 5'10" 220lb wookie. - OmniFocus 2.3 Duratec ZX3 + some bits

03-07-2009, 01:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
cjmartinyzx3 NA Zetec Driver //// Where Bolt ons + Cams = 120whp Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marysville, MI Posts: 4,375	Re: removing CV shafts pretty much, but instead of banging the one side you bang the other... to put it in you push on the hub to make it click back in place __________________ Proud member of the 150k+ mile club 2001 zx3 crower stg3 cams/FC race header/2.5in exhaust/intake/tune/all poly mounts/H&R RACE springs/Koni sport yellow dampers/SVT RSB/CM stg3 clutch/CM lightweight flywheel/Torsen T2 LSD/SVT front and rear bumper/SVT grill and headlights /RS Wing/AEM UEGO

03-07-2009, 03:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
Mjasinski Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 1,643	Re: removing CV shafts Steve can you get ahold of said tool? __________________ 2000 Autumn Orange ZX3 "Op Orange" 2000 CD Silver ZX3 "Bullet" the beater *2005 Pitch Black ZX3, not mine but i do all the work on it* My Space

03-08-2009, 12:53 AM	#7 (permalink)
illinipo TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 961	Re: removing CV shafts fit anything you can in between the CV cup and the trans case, then hit the other end with a hammer to pry with impact. Works every time. the circlip inside is designed to pop out with impact, youll never get it just by pushing/pulling you have to hammer it. Last edited by illinipo; 03-08-2009 at 01:03 AM.

03-08-2009, 06:44 PM	#8 (permalink)
RallyRacer TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Burnsville, MN Posts: 822	Re: removing CV shafts You can get a slide hammer and CV puller attachment at AutoZone for free using their Loan-A-Tool program. I have used the slide hammer and attachment from Autozone a few times and they work perfect on the Focus. FWD Axle Puller Adapter OEM27058 Slide hammer OEM27033 __________________ 2001 ZX3 Infra-Red, Auto Power: Volant Ram Air, 65mm FC TB, 2000 ported intake, SVT header, Random ORP, Bosal flex, Borla exhaust, Esslinger UDP, FocusSport Xcal2, FR stage1 cams and FR adj. gears Handling: Energy bushings everywhere, Koni Adjustable dampers, H&R sport springs, SVT rear swaybar, FC rear toe links Braking: SVT brake kit, Hawk HPS pads F&R, Aeroquip braided lines

03-09-2009, 03:43 PM	#10 (permalink)
COSVT03 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,209	Re: removing CV shafts I just use my bare hands, and pull! a couple eleventy billion times, you reach in there grab it and pull and release and pull and release, one of the times the little clip that holds it in will pop out and you can slide it out. (the only part of the pull that makes the little clip pop out is the initial pull, so after it hits and stops moving you can stop your pull, it is wasted effort at that point) But that tool sure looks like it makes life easy! __________________ #3052 of 3985

03-13-2009, 05:38 PM	#11 (permalink)
trahma TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: (justin) Minneapolis, MN Posts: 202	Re: removing CV shafts I rented mine from autozone for $20 and "forgot" to bring it back. I now own a slide hammer __________________ it's just a focus 2002[malibublue]fordfocuszx3 mnfocus.com

03-14-2009, 11:18 PM	#13 (permalink)
trahma TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: (justin) Minneapolis, MN Posts: 202	Re: removing CV shafts I pulled my driver side axle out the other day without any tools by just doing a lot of wiggling. My slide hammer sat and felt neglected. __________________ it's just a focus 2002[malibublue]fordfocuszx3 mnfocus.com

03-16-2009, 02:32 AM	#14 (permalink)
SEFOC05 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: WASHINGTON!!!!! Posts: 61	Re: removing CV shafts when you guys separate the axle from the trans, how do you go about removing the other end? I'm prepariing myself to replace the transmission, and doing alot of reading and seeing how people are going about it. You pull the strut,.. hang the caliper... whats your procedure for the other end of the CV? __________________ WASHINGTON!!

03-16-2009, 08:38 AM	#15 (permalink)
infrareddd Mike Hatzenbuehler AKA grbrgrnzx5 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Western Washington, Tacoma/Olympia area Posts: 0	Re: removing CV shafts Dude, when I removed mine, I had the biggest problem. I had to actually drill a hole through the cup on the output side of the transaxle, run a grade 8 bolt through, attach a 5,000 lb cargo strap to the bolt, drive my pickup onto the lawn, attach the other end of the strap to the bumper, tighten the strap until the car was shifted slightly on the jackstands, and jam a punch between the cup and the transaxle and pound away with a 2 lb sledge. It was some seriously scary redneck engineering. On a side note, be sure to replace the output shaft seals while you are under there. It's easy and cheap insurance against leaks after reinstallation/replacement of the halfshafts.

03-16-2009, 02:17 PM	#19 (permalink)
DigitalGT Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Jacksonville / Orange Park, FL Posts: 1,971	Re: removing CV shafts I have an axle puller but I usually just use an 18 inch pry bar and they both pop right out. If you can get one shaft out, you can always use a long punch and a small sledge to knock remaining shaft out of the diff from the opposite side. There is a pin that goes across the middle though so make sure your punch is on the face of the half shaft and not on the pin. You don't want to wail away on only to realize you just bent the hell out of the wrong part. I also dress the splines on my new shafts with a small file. A lot of times the clips won't let go or the shaft won't insert because the machined clip channel has a burr in it or there is not enough of a taper on the spline tips. About 5 minutes of TLC per shaft with a small triangular file saves a whole lot of swearing and bashed knuckles later. __________________ '03 Pitch Black SVT 5 Door -- Stroked, blown, ported and massaged. Still not fast enough. '07 Liquid Platinum Metallic Mazda CX-7 Sport -- Turbocharged SUVs FTW! '96 Burgandy Toyota Avalon XLS -- Daily commuter/beater '05 Carbon Fiber Buell Lightning XB12S -- Loud fans save lives. '09 Villain Black Buell 1125CR -- American innovation....Austrian muscle. '07 Red Ducati Sport Classic 1000S -- Sexy body....sadistic ergos.

03-17-2009, 06:35 AM	#20 (permalink)
EuroAyres Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 1,701	Re: removing CV shafts mine just pulled out on the pass side. On the drivers i used one of those flat pry bar/nail puller deals carpenters use to pry against the trans and the axle. It slid out with a few prys. Be sure if you pry not to just start prying but set it up to pry and give the bar some hits first to knock it loose. If you need ill put mine back in and show you as its on the floor right now anyways. pm me if so since i may not check this thread again. __________________ 03 Comp Orange SVTF

03-18-2009, 04:21 PM	#24 (permalink)
Liquid_02_ZX3 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 1,450	Re: removing CV shafts A pry bar, or large flathead has always gotten them out just fine. __________________ '02 Liquid ZX3 Power Premium MTX It has a few mods, lol

03-23-2009, 11:16 AM	#25 (permalink)
bluefociZX3 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Watertown CT Posts: 1,849	Re: removing CV shafts here is what i use my old man made it __________________ 89 xr4ti fully built and boosted! Undergoing a engine rebuild sigh ;-( 1998 jeep cherokee I6 5spd!!!

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