OK OK first thing is to loosen the 36MM nut holding the axle to the spindle. then remove the bolt from the lower control arm. After you do this, you can swing the hub outward and the axle will come out of the hub. Then use a prybar, or big screwdriver to pry the inner axle joint out of the differential. I may have left out a few little things, like abs line brackets, but that is the general outline on how to do it

Thanks turbovr6!

Okay, got the 36mm socket, took it off. Took the brake caliper off, suspended it with coat hanger wire, took rotor off. Took out the 14mm nut that holds the lower suspension bar thingie to the brake base thingie. Not enough clearance to get the axle out. Took out the 14mm nut that holds the upper suspension bar thingie. Now there is room.



Gently tap end of axle with hammer to release it from wheel bearings. No hard blows here, just be patient, it will slowly move out of the bearing.



Once out, got underneath differential, and, using a crowbar, gently pried the differential-end of the axle out of the differential. No diff fluid leaked from the hole, should it have?



Started car (still on jacks), put in gear, and gave a little gas. NO CLUNKING NOISE! So this means either the wheel bearings are shot, or, much more likely, that the axle is bad. Thank goodness it doesn't appear to be the differential!



New axle coming tomorrow, $99 + core. Hopefully won't be any fitment issues.



This car is SO easy to work on compared to my other ones (all German).



https://forums.pelicanparts.com/uplo...1075851215.jpg



________________________

too many cars, too little time

Im just wondering how an axle can make a nosie, dont jump on me blackfoot! It just sounds kinda weird to me, if anything it would be the bearings where the axle is put in, or whatever it connects to. It sounds to me like where the axle is connected, the axle is, i dont wanna say bounceing around, but not being sealed probly.



Just let me know how an axle could make that noise, very interested. Or if anyone else would like to give me a better idea, that would be cool too.

Put the new axle in yesterday, ran it while still on jacks. No clunking noise!



Whew, I was beginning to sweat it as the mechanic at the shop where purchased the axle said he didn't think the axle was bad, as the rubber was intact and no grease was being lost. I don't know how a sealed axle could go bad either, will let someone else explain how, but it was being naughty.



Hawk brake pads coming, then will put her back on the street where she belongs.





________________________

Too many cars, too little time