lexy2013

hey

im having trouble taking out the driveshafts on my 94 lexus es300

how do i remove the 6 allen-bolts on the inner ends of the driveshafts (the allen head bolts which bolt onto the diff)? could i simply just use an allen socket and a torque wrench?

thanks guys

StuckInVA

Breaker bar + Allen head socket. Have someone stomp the brakes to hold it still.

canucklehe

Yes, use an allen socket. I used an extension and lined up the first bolt where it was easy to get at, then I'd rotate the axle to move the next bolt to the same spot. much easier than trying to work around to where all 6 of them are. on driver's side, you can pull out complete axle without removing the allen bolts & inner stub. not sure what the deal is on the passenger's side as there is an intermediate shaft and it doesn't easily come out as one piece.

you could also wedge a block of wood under the tire to stop axle from turning (if you don't have a helper to step on brakes).

if you remove the allen sockets, be ready for the ***** and cage to fall out when you pry axle off the inner stub.

lexy2013

im not replacing the whole shaft just the shaft with the outer CV boot and where the inner CV boot ends (one side is in two pieces i believe - when you remove the allen head bolts)

canucklehe

yes, they are 2 pieces. I found it easier to pull whole thing out and assemble in my vice. have to line up holes. the ***** and cage, even on new one, want to fall apart at the inner end and it's a PITA and hard to work laying down.

lexy2013

do you mean like lining up the gasket and all or is it because of the weight of the shaft and trying to line up the bolts with such limited workspace?

canucklehe

I'd say yes to both. and the possibility of the ***** and cage falling out too.

not sure what the pros do (if they don't have a hoist).... but this worked for me.

lexy2013

yeah i could imagine bud... heh annoying things