How can you replace 1997 Saturn Sl1 axle?

Answer 1

Its best to get a cheap service manual from the parts store (or rent one from the library) so you have pictures to assist you, but here's a quick runthrough of the basic process. Block the rear wheels, jack up the front & set in on axle stands, remove the wheel. Stick a screwdriver or punch in the slots of the brake rotor to stop it from turning, (the screwdriver will stop when it hits the caliper) and then remove the large axle nut in the center of the brake rotor. Its a special size, i want to say 32mm, so you'll probably have to buy/borrow one. Unbolt the brake caliper, if you leave the brake line connected (recommended so you dont have to bleed brakes at the end) then be sure to support it on a bucket or pile of bricks or something so the line doesn't stress/tear. Pull off the brake rotor. Disconnect the tierod end. Pull the cotter pin and unscrew the nut, then gently hit the bottom of it until it pops out of the steering knuckle. Remove the strut, this is the tricky part so its a good idea to have a buddy help you out. To do this you disconnect the ball joint. (Remove cotter pin, and unbolt the big nut) Remove the 3 nuts on the top of the strut tower under the hood, allowing the whole strut to drop down. Push the end of the axle through the bearing, you'll probably have to hammer it, and then take the strut out of the car and set it aside. Now you just need to pry the other end of the axle out of the transmission. Use a prybar or very large screwdriver, whatever works best and will fit in there. They are held in by little circular springloaded clips, nothing to undo/unbolt, just pry. When it pops out, the transmission will leak fluid, so have a pan ready and probably buy an extra quart of fluid to replace what drains out. Reinstall the new axle shaft. If you haven't noticed yet, the axles will get shorter and longer, so hold it compressed, and hammer on the end (use a block of wood so you dont mess up the splines or threads) until it "clicks" into place. Dont over extend the axle either, once it pulls apart its junk. Now just reinstall the strut, ball joint, nuts on the top of the tower, tie rod end, brake rotor and caliper, torque the axle nut (get a torque wrench and look up all the specs), grease the balljoint and tierod end, reinstall the wheel, check the Transmission Fluid and oil, and you're done. Recommended procedure says to get an alignment after doing this, but if it drives ok then you dont really need one.