2003 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE
230,000 MILES
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How tough is it to change the half shafts?
Feb 4, 2013 at 4:01 PM
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CARADIODOC
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About an hour per side once the van is on a hoist and all the tools are at hand. You'll need a really long pry bar. Mine is almost five feet long. You'll also need a click-type torque wrench that goes really high. The axle nut requires a very high tightness and it must never be loose while there's any weight on the wheel bearing. Doing that will make them instantly noisy.

If a rubber boot is torn on an outer cv joint, they can be replaced for a much lower cost than for replacing the entire shaft, but you'll need some special tools. Many auto parts stores can borrow or rent them to you.
Feb 5, 2013 at 10:14 AM