idosubaru Posted June 12, 2018 Share Posted June 12, 2018 1998 legacy automatic, lifted with taller struts. while doing a wheel bearing job i noticed the outer CV joint turns without the shaft moving at all. 1. i assume the axle is junk right? i already bought another axle but just checking. 2. i've done probably triple digit front axles, but not an EJ rear by itself - what's the process for swapping rear axles - remove strut mount bolts or lower lateral links? 3. Car drove and shifted fine besides the loud wheel bearing - was it like this and not noticeable while driving, or happened during disassembly? 4. Would the car drive with this axle installed or would it have blown apart in spectacular highway fireworks? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Numbchux Posted June 12, 2018 Share Posted June 12, 2018 Yea, outer CV is broken. I don't think removing strut mount bolts will give you enough play to get the axle out, I think you have to disconnect the lateral links from one end or the other. 3&4. It will do just fine as long as you never demand more than FWD from it. But any power sent to the rear will just get spun away there. Depending on what exactly has happened inside that shaft, it might come loose and cause more damage, might not.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted June 12, 2018 Author Share Posted June 12, 2018 37 minutes ago, Numbchux said: It will do just fine as long as you never demand more than FWD from it. But any power sent to the rear will just get spun away there. Depending on what exactly has happened inside that shaft, it might come loose and cause more damage, might not.... this is originally a legacy lifted with taller struts and i think it's seen some offroad time in it's past - think the lift with no spacers aided this in happening? thanks, helping a friend (free as always). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Numbchux Posted June 12, 2018 Share Posted June 12, 2018 Higher-than-stock CV angles, and then a CV failed. Certainly related. Might be something else contributing, might have already been worn. Pretty hard to say if the next one will last or not. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike104 Posted June 13, 2018 Share Posted June 13, 2018 Lateral link bolt needs to come out to get the axle out (or at least it did on my 99 OBW). On my 03 Forester I changed the rear diff and the axles will come out by dropping the rear diff if the lateral link bolt is seized in place Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
montana tom Posted June 13, 2018 Share Posted June 13, 2018 Your on the east coast , lots of corrosion on things .That lateral bolt can be a bugger to remove. I recommend having a new lateral bolt on hand before starting.(at least locate a local dealer with one on the shelf ) I've had to cut them out before. I've also had to replace the bushings on the links as the bolt seized inside. I have also fought the axle itself , not wanting to slide out of the hub OR wanting to pop off the differential. I groan anytime I have to go to the rear wheels on that year group. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted June 13, 2018 Author Share Posted June 13, 2018 Job is done. I pulled lateral link bolt to swap axle. Thanks all This car is from California, no rust and hub assembly was swapped sometime before I helped a friend get it. Lateral link and bolts all came out easy. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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