Front Diff Vibes ECGS bushing fix.

I've seen many people post in this thread about having to use a slide hammer or pry with some force to remove the CV axle from the diff. However, in one of the Gen2 threads about the ECGS bushing install it is mentioned a couple of times that the axle will pull out fairly easily if you get the circlip on the end of the axle orientated correctly before trying to pull the axle out. Basically the open end of the clip needs to be facing down, so apply some prying force against the axle, if it doesn't pull out push the axle back in the unload the circlip , rotate the axle about 1/6 of a turn and try again. Repeat until the clip is aligned properly and the shaft should come out with limited prying force.

Has anyone applied this test technique recently with success?

 

That is how mine came out. Used a small pry bar with light pressure. My truck only had 15,000 miles on it tho

 

That's the way I did mine. Just keep rotating and apply some force with a small pry bar. Once it releases put a mark on the axle and diff housing for reinstalling. Open end of the c clip was in the 6 o'clock position. When installing the axle I was able to pop it in with the palm of my hand.

 

Thanks for confirming this. It just didn't seem correct to me that much force should be required to remove the axle.

 

Yep. When it let go I was suprised how little force it took. I pried, rotated, pried, rotated, until I found the right position.

 

Great tips ! On removing that axle , Thanks

 

It's one of those jobs that if you have to do it again it would take a fraction of the time.

 

Yes, nearly all modern CV axles have this style clip retaining it. I've done close to a few hundred axles on all Japanese makes and all are the same. You're rotating the shaft around until the wire clip catches itself out of the detent and it just slides off easily. The prybar just keeps outward pressure on the inner joint housing, till it slides out. Don't forget to replace the seal.

Also, be mindful of where that pry bar sits when popping it out. The CV axle bearing surface is pretty hard, but try not to scratch or gouge it.

 

It's easiest to use a couple of garage door cables. Wrap them around the end of the cv going into the diff, then get them straightened out in a loop and use a mallot or 5lb sledge to whack the cable loop outward. Comes out first try every time.

 

Do most ppl replace the seal? My truck has 5k on it, I figured as long as I don't damage it with the axle I should be good. Or is this foolish?

 

A seal is about $15. I'd replace just for the peace of mind 2nd it doesn't take much to damage it. Cheap insurance not to spend another half hour doing the job again for the seal lol.

 

Better to have and not need it. Lots of times it gets torn up upon removal. It's $20....

Good luck finding it if you have that shit all torn apart and then can't put it back together because you didn't buy a $20 seal...

 

Thank you. Do you think most Toyota dealers stock this item? I didn't order it with my bushing. Are the seals the same as the 05 and up trucks?

 

I think the purpose of rotating the axle with repeated attempts to remove the axle was to use as little force as possible in removing the axle, not because it was the quickest or easiest method.

 

Gotcha. The first couple of times I removed it, I used the pry method. I didn't like how it left marks on the housing or the cv itself. The cable method puts for at two points 180° from each other. I think it does as well as any other method after trying plenty.

 

you can get an oem axle seal from Amazon via prime shipping for less than $10..

$11 Toyota Genuine Parts - Seal, Type T Oil (90311-47027)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GFI2FJU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I recently had the new bushing installed from ECGS and everything turned out great! I have the puller for sale (http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-14430764-toyota-8-clamshell-bushingremoval-tool.html). If you're interested shoot me a message, $50 shipped.

 

What's the updated part number or TSB #??

 

FailRev_1