Oro

The car suddenly developed shimmy at speed that proved to be a cracked Lower Control Arm bushing on the R side. This weekend I R&R'd the problem side and will do the other side as prevention in the near future. What an annoying job the LCA is - ugh.

While in there, I noticed the inner CV boot was cracked and poor looking; I made a mental note to re-boot/rebuild the axle this summer. Then while manuevering the hub around trying to get the lower ball joint installed, I must have pulled the hub a little too outboard and the CV joint just popped out and the boot shredded! I was going to go get a boot and do it today, but then inspecting closely I found one of the caged bearing assemblies really worn, and some race material in the soup can. So new axle it is!

First, I was shocked the stub axle came out and there was no retaining circlip, but I gather that is how it is built. My 2nd thought/question is - how dodgy is getting the whole axle out? I am worried the other portion of the axle from the soup can to the transmission will be difficult. Any body BTDT?

Oh, and what size is the spindle nut? 32mm or 34mm? I had them off last summer when I did bearings (why didn't I do LCA and axles at the same time? Dumb.), but I don't have all my tools at this location and need to grab another one of those, I think.

HomerJay

I recall the ES300 spindle nut being smaller, I checked RA and the spindle nut is listed as 22mm. Good Luck with the replacement, I know you will do a thorough job!

Oro

Cthao

replacing my mine as well on my 2001 es300 while my engine/trans is out. Broke the outer half of the axle and was able to take out the engine/trans. The trans slid right off after i removed all the bolts. The challenge now is to remove the other half of the axle. Ended up torching and hammer the heck out of the axle from the side that goes into the transmission and mushroom it, but nothing. I was able to remove 3 of the 4 14mm bolts that bolt the bracket up the block but the right side lower bolt is hidden between the axle and the block with no room to remove it! Next steps for me is to start cutting off things! 200k and Minnesota roads on oem axles is driving me crazy!! anyways, good luck and have fun!

Organized Garage Status

I recently did the rear motor mount, and the process involved removing the axle. Here's the DIY video we made of the project:

Rdterry

Hey Cthao,
How did you finally get the axle out of the rear engine mount? I've got a 99 ES 300, and mine is stuck too.

Cthao

The transmission and engine was out of the car so I unbolted the transmission and ended up torching the bracket that held the axle,I used a 3 lb sledge hammer and standing on the transmission on the opposite end as leverage, I was able to break it loose after about 3 or 4 swings.

acarapella

If I remember correctly, its 31mm but must be 12 point. 31 or 32... either way, TWELVE point