[Roger2561]

Hi all - I have 2006 Pontiac Vibe AWD that I'm in the process of attempting to change the front axle shafts. The car is approaching 100,000 miles. The one on the passenger side is leaking grease so it's time to change it out. I have removed the locking bolt and I've trying to get the clip removed so I can get the shaft out. But, the clip won't budge. I've spent a day and half trying to get it out! :vs_mad: Any ideas how I am remove it? Thanks, Roger!

 

[de-nagorg]

Do you have access to a repair manual?

Clips are either a snap ring type, or E clips, usually.

Snap ring pliers for one, a screwdriver usually works for the other.

How about a photo of the thing?

ED

 

[Windows on Wash]

How about a picture. Have you gotten the axle off the hub and you are trying to remove it from the transmission or are you talking about something else.

 

[Brainbucket]

If you mean how do you get the axle shafts out of the transmission, Rotate the axle and snap pry with a pry bar. Some times it take one on each side to keep it from getting into a bind. Snap pry means grab and yank. Be careful where you pry cause you can damage the trans case.:vs_cool:
Just reread your post. The clip on the axle hanger keeping the bearing and shaft stable. It should squeeze together with a pair of pliers. If it's rusty, just unbolt the hanger and remove the hole assembly then you can separate it on the bench. Generally 3 or 4 14mm bolts. Soak it with PB Blaster. The axle is removed toward the wheel.

 

[Roger2561]

If you mean how do you get the axle shafts out of the transmission, Rotate the axle and snap pry with a pry bar. Some times it take one on each side to keep it from getting into a bind. Snap pry means grab and yank. Be careful where you pry cause you can damage the trans case.:vs_cool:
Just reread your post. The clip on the axle hanger keeping the bearing and shaft stable. It should squeeze together with a pair of pliers. If it's rusty, just unbolt the hanger and remove the hole assembly then you can separate it on the bench. Generally 3 or 4 14mm bolts. Soak it with PB Blaster. The axle is removed toward the wheel.

Brainbucket - Thanks for the info. I can squeeze the clip together using a pair of pliers but it will not come free from the groove in which it sits. I should have thought of hitting it with PB Blaster, I'll do that the next time I have everything torn apart again. Quick question - Will I have to drain the tranny before I unbolt the hanger?

The one thing that surprised me is the lack of room to work. This is the first car I've ever owned (full size pickups before I bought the car) and there simply isn't the room to work like that in a pickup. Roger

 

[Brainbucket]

No. But fluid might come out the axle hole so put a drain pan there. Once you install everything then check the tranny fluid when hot and running. I think Chrysler back then you had to be in neutral. It should say on the stick. Yeah, cars are fun to work on when there is no room for my 5'11" 225 pound fat ass. Ought to see me working under a dash. Feet sticking out windows and stuff. If the clip will squeeze, hit it with a hammer to jar it. Don't beat it but a few good smacks might loosen it up. :vs_cool:

 

[Olcrazy1]

You said leaking grease, is it leaking from the tranny or from the outer boot? Outer boot is grease tranny would be oil. Once you pull that shaft out oil may leak everywhere if it is filled above the shaft hole. If there is no pun holding it in you just need a pry bar and a point to pry against and pop it out. For the harder ones 2 pry bars as someone explained. Sure u figured it out but the tie rod needs to be knocked off as well as the lower ball joint to move the hub out of the way. Sometimes u need to pop them hard to release.

 

[Roger2561]

Brainbucket & Olcrazy1 - Thanks for the info. I'm glad to know that it will require a bit umph to get them out and that I'm on the right track. Another problem i have is I don't have a vehicle lift. I have to jack up the vehicle, put jack stands under it, pull myself under the car and try to work laying on my back. Due to a lower back problem it's rather therapeutic so I really don't mind. I'm also beginning to realize that 55 is not the new 25... Thanks for the help/tips. I'll keep you guys posted as to how it goes when I have time to get to the car again. Roger

 

[ukrkoz]

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[Olcrazy1]

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