Hi. I'm caught in the old bind of being too poor to get a car that doesn't need constant repairs, because my only car needs constant repairs, thus keeping me too poor to get a car that... you know.
Anyway, my '86 Honda Accord DX (manual trans, 155000 miles) might get me another year's service if I can just get the CV joints fixed, which I will be attempting this week. Got rebuilt axles on eBay (great price, no core bother, but always a gamble, of course) and plan to put them in myself in a few days, and wanted to ask if anyone has specific advice on the job.
I've read all the horror stories on the web, most to do with rust-welded spindle nuts, which I don't think will be a factor as I don't live in the mid-west (the 'rust belt'). The job is fairly simple, composed of the steps:
. loosen wheel lug nuts, raise on jack stands, remove spindle nut. I plan to use WD-40 or some other penetrating oil on the spindle nut to help, locking the wheel with a pry bar while using a breaker bar (with pipe extension if necessary) to loosen the spindle nut, but would appreciate any tips anyone has; (or if your own experience tells you I shouldn't be attempting this, let me know too).
. drain tranny oil. Only question I have here is that it takes a square-drive wrench - does anyone know offhand what the size is?
. remove damper fork. Question: how difficult? There are 2 bolts - are they likely to be seized or rusted together?
. remove knuckle-to-lower arm castle nut, and separate with 2-arm gear puller. Any problems/tips here I should be aware of?
. pull knuckle outward, removing draveshaft outboard joint from knuckle with a plastic hammer. Q: Can it be stuck to where it just won't come out? If so, how best to get it out...
. pry out the inboard driveshaft assembly with a screwdriver (forcing inner set ring past inner groove in differential); Q: Does it always just 'pop right out'? I'd hate to get stuck at this point!
On putting in the rebuilt axles, the only thing that worries me is getting the inner driveshaft assembly, with its new set ring, to properly seat within the differential. Has anyone experience special problems with this task?
I guess what I'm looking for is a lot of people to say, Hey - it'll be a breeze - you can do it! If I could afford to have my car towed, I would dive right in and just do it, but I'm really on the edge right now, so just maximizing my chances of getting these rebuilds in with as few problems as possible :)
Any help/tips/sharing-of-experiences greatly appreciated.
-ed