Hello Folks -

I have a 2004 Dodge Ram 4x4 (5.7) with a bad drivers side front wheel bearing assembly. After using a puller, penetrating oil, heat, hammers and all in combination; the axle will not come out of the bearing. My next step is to remove the steering knuckle with the axle and press/cut (destroy if necessary) them apart.

My question is - how do I remove the drivers side front axle from the center section?? I have read there is a "clip" to deal with and that the axle is supposed to simply release from this clip. I have also read the clip sometimes disappears into the center section.

Next question is - how do I re-install the axle into the center section?? Will the clip some how re-engage??

Any and all help is appreciated!

Thanks.

 

Just finished doing the same thing on my 06. It only took a tap from a rubber mallett to free the axle from the hub itself. You may be able to break it loose by putting a floor jack under the steering knuckle and jacking it up to relieve some of the pressure on the cv axle...then try hitting it with a mallett or sledge.

As for removing the axle from the other end try giving it a hit with a hammer or a small sledge hammer and it should break free from the "clip". (It did not take much force for mine to break loose)
If this does not work try using a pry bar to break it loose.

To get the cv axle back in place just line up the splines and slide it in until you feel resistance and then a good shove should re-seat it. (I was able to feel it "click" back into place).
Then push/pull on it to make sure it is properly seated.

 

Thank you for the feedback. From your experiance, sounds like a pretty straight forward process.

Thanks again.

 

Update - Things didn't go as planned. The steering knuckle would not drop down far enough to come off the lower ball joint (due to the axle being "stuck" in the bearing). I ended up cutting the lower ball joint off with a torch. Also needed to burn the bearing out to remove the axle from the steering knuckle.....

Now, I need to press out the lower ball joint (seems pretty straight forward) and pull the inner CV cup off the center section splines (open to suggestions).

Anyone have experiance removing this inner cup? I have tried to pry it off with the rest of the axle, but it didn't budge. My hope is that I can use a puller but there seems to ba a cap in the way...

Thanks

 

Anyone??

 

I don't think anyone has had that much trouble removing an axle...

I am a little confused about what you mean by an "inner cup"

Can you snap some pictures and host them on photobucket so you can post them up here?

It might help us out.

 

Will do - I will attempt.

For ref, the "cup" I am referencing is actually the outer part of the inner CV. So I could access the the inner CV joint (remove it from the splines) I cut the inner boot and seperated the CV joint leaving the outer part of the CV or "cup" in place (on the center section splines).

 

so you want to separate the half-shaft...?

I am thinking that maybe you are missing a step... have you reviewed the service manual/repair book for step by step instructions just in case you've missed something...?

 

Followed instructions...

I need to remove the "cup" (outer part of the inner CV - has female splines) from the splines on the center section (male splines)

 

Well from my own experience I only remember removing the hub assembly and then removing the little clip on the axle at the transfer case and the axle just pulled right out... and sometimes the clip disappeared in which case you just gave it a little tap with a mallet and "pop" it would all come out.

I haven't done one of the 3rd Gen Ram's so I'd need to see pictures or something...