How do I remove the front axle on passenger side?

Hello BHAMDOC1973,

Here are some instructions on how to change an axle. The process is the same for your vehicle. Let me know if I can answer any questions.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-cv-axle

When you get to the point that everything is out of the way and the axle is ready to come out, using a slide hammer with a hook will make life easier. I will add a picture for you of this. If you don't have one, most auto parts stores rent them.

Thank you,
Brendon

Hello BHAMDOC1973,

Replacing the axle won't fix an issue in the differential. If the axle has play in it, it's a possibility the axle is binding.

Is the axle leaking any grease or any clicking noises when turning?

The best way to tell if it is binding is to remove it from the hub and move it around and see if it binds.

If it is leaking grease or the boot is torn or if you are making noises when turning it's likely it is just the axle and replacing it should fix your issue.

Thank you,
Brendon

Hello BHAMDOC1973,

If the issue is in the half shaft and you remove it the problem shouldn't occur.

Are you trying to remove half the axle and turn the other half to see if the transfer case is bidding?

If there is play in the half-shaft it should be replaced.

Thank you,
Brendon

Hello BHAMDOC1973,

If you remove the c/v shaft and put the wheel back on and drive it there is nothing holding the bearing together. The axle and the nut keep the bearing together. If you drive it without it, the bearing could come apart.

Your best bet would be to get an axle first. Remove the old one from the steering knuckle side only and move it around and see if it binds. If so, you can just replace it since you already have the part and it's taken apart.

If it doesn't bind, then we will have to look further into the drive train, and you can return the unused axle.

I do not recommend driving it without the c/v axle and axle nut installed as this could damage your vehicle.

Thank you,
Brendon

Hello BHAMDOC1973,

I wouldn't drive it in the driveway either.

Your original question said "How do I remove the front axle on passenger side? ". Where did the rear of the vehicle come in?

Maybe we can back up a little here. I think I may not be understanding you completely.

Are you trying to remove and replace a front axle? Or are you trying to diagnose a binding issue?

So, what is it you are trying to fix because from your original question I assumed you needed instructions on how to remove the front axle on the passenger side.

Are you trying to diagnose a binding condition while driving?

Thank you,
Brendon

Hello BHAMDOC1973,

I would leave it together, jack the front of it up, turn the key on so the steering wheel is unlocked and put your hands on the passenger side at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock and push the tire in like it would be if you were turning left. Once you have it pushed in rotate the tire and see if you can see the axle popping or moving.

Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of information for this vehicle so if you could take some pictures of the axle in a couple of different spots, I can help you better. For example, where the snap ring is, where it goes into the differential, where it goes into the hub. That would help me to help you. Sometimes with vehicles like Land Rover and other higher end vehicles information is hard to find.

I am adding a picture of a passenger front axle. Can you tell me if this is what yours looks like?

Does it bind at all if you are parked and turn the wheels back and forth lock to lock?

What made you go directly to the passenger side axle? For instance, what symptom led you to that part of the vehicle?

Does it happen when you turn only left or does it happen when you turn either left or right?

Finally, does it seem to happen more in a parking lot or lower speed turn or all the time no matter what the vehicle speed is?

If you could take a moment and answer these questions for me as well as add some more you think might help, it will help me understand your exact issue and help you better.

I want to make sure I provide you with the best help possible but just need a little more information.

Thank you,
Brendon

Hello BHAMDOC1973,

Yes, that snap ring will need to be removed. I think it is more to keep the bearing in place in the support. Honestly, vehicles are way over engineered these days. I swear sometimes I think they just want to make things difficult for fun.

To me with binding while turning at slow speeds and the excessive play in the axle, that the axle is causing the issue.

You said it feels like it is grabbing then letting go. If it were a differential issue, say it was locked up and wouldn't let both wheels turn at different speeds when turning, it would do it all the time not grab and let go. It would feel like you are driving with an old 4wd truck with the 4-wheel drive engaged on pavement.

Do you have a scan tool that you can monitor your wheel speed sensors with?

Thank you,
Brendon

Hello BHAMDOC1973,

Okay, sounds good. Let me know what you find.

Thank you,
Brendon

Hello BHAMDOC1973,

It sounds like it possibly just needs an axle. The axle is more likely an issue than the transfer case, on any vehicle. With the play you have I would say replacing the axle is your best bet. To be honest if it were my vehicle I would try replacing the axle and I don't replace anything without testing everything, just like you have. Since the problem disappeared with the axle removed it is a good possibility it is the axle.

Significant play in the drive axle is a good indication the axle needs to be replaced.

Thank you,
Brendon