I just noticed a ton of grease coating the inside of the front left tire/caliper this weekend. I had the front left hub replaced back in January. Coincidence? My paranoid self says no, but I'm trying to determine the amount of effort for a light-shade tree mechanic to replace the cv/front axle before taking it to the shop and putting down another chunk of change. (By light shade tree mechanic, I mean I don't have a problem doing suspension and 'dry' type repairs, but I'm not a fan when it comes to dealing with seals, gaskets, liquids and such).
The car is a 08 CX-9 GT FWD w/ 111k miles. From the various videos I've seen, it doesn't appear to difficult for the professionals.
The biggest headache appears to be getting all hub out of the way to pull the axle out. My biggest concern is will I have to replace the tranny fluid once I pull the axle. I /hate/ dealing w/ fluids - especially since this one has the overflow-fill style on the bottom of the pan. It just seems messy w/o the right equipment.
Anyway, are there any special tools needed? Will the inner axle just slip right out of the tranny with a little encouragement? Will I need to align the front-end after?
I'd go ahead and just replace the car, but my SO is putting on a LOT of miles for work, and I don't want to eat the depreciation of a new ride - esp if this one just needs a little TLC to continue on down the road.
TIA.
The car is a 08 CX-9 GT FWD w/ 111k miles. From the various videos I've seen, it doesn't appear to difficult for the professionals.
The biggest headache appears to be getting all hub out of the way to pull the axle out. My biggest concern is will I have to replace the tranny fluid once I pull the axle. I /hate/ dealing w/ fluids - especially since this one has the overflow-fill style on the bottom of the pan. It just seems messy w/o the right equipment.Anyway, are there any special tools needed? Will the inner axle just slip right out of the tranny with a little encouragement? Will I need to align the front-end after?
I'd go ahead and just replace the car, but my SO is putting on a LOT of miles for work, and I don't want to eat the depreciation of a new ride - esp if this one just needs a little TLC to continue on down the road.
TIA.