Swapping built axles in driveway?

[mkvB58KING]

I have DSS axles on order, they are about 2.5 weeks out. They are going to send them to me, and asked that I send mine back at the same time. I'm curious how difficult this job is in the driveway? Local shops don't seem interested in taking the task on, and I'm running short on time. Would appreciate any insight, and as a follow up question - are any new parts required from Toyota before I begin the process? Thank you

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[jtsang25]

@zrk

I think there are some single use bolts if I'm not mistaken.

 

[zrk]

The axle bolts are single-use. There is a "special tool" from BMW to remove the axle from the diff, but I've never actually used it.

Be careful with the suspension bits as always, don't crush anything. It's definitely doable in a drive way. I have a link to the service manual as well. DM me if you need it.

 

[Mason]

Remove your wheel sensors. They will break if you don’t.

I did them in my driveway, pita but possible in a couple hours

 

[TYMBOM]

The axle bolts are single-use. There is a "special tool" from BMW to remove the axle from the diff, but I've never actually used it.

Be careful with the suspension bits as always, don't crush anything. It's definitely doable in a drive way. I have a link to the service manual as well. DM me if you need it.

Hi @zrk , can you send me the manual please? My car is parked and my axles have arrived.

 

[nibble]

I had to do it on other BMW rear axle earlier in my driveway... Pulling the axle out can be harder than putting it in because rear half axle is fitted with a ring at the end of diff side.. took me 3 days and bought many axle removal tools... I hope it's not as hard for you but definitely recommend having a help who has done any axle removal. the axle I bought at the time came with axle bolt so it may come with new axle. check with vendor before ordering a new one. also, you will need a hex key to unbolt axle bolt, preferably impact.

 

[mkvB58KING]

It isn't easy, I ended up having it done at a shop and I watched them remove and replace. There is zero chance I was doing that myself in the driveway. YMMV, I like to think I'm handy with a wrench but that was beyond my comfort level for sure.

 

[zrk]

Hi @zrk , can you send me the manual please? My car is parked and my axles have arrived.

Yessir! Sorry, I must have missed this earlier. DM coming.

 

[black_sedan]

def doable at home. Hell, i've watched a few guys swap them at the track a few years ago.

 

[SilverBully]

Yessir! Sorry, I must have missed this earlier. DM coming.

Can you share the manual with me too? I just snapped my driver side axle this morning ?

 

[MisterSkiz]

Can you share the manual with me too? I just snapped my driver side axle this morning ?

I just did mine in my garage....I'm going to write a DIY for things that caused me issues, but you should see my thread and the linked videos.

You're going to need a torque wrench and a right angle impact wrench - one the of 21mm bolts is on there so tight that I think it and the axle bolt was overtorqued at the factory.

When you take the axle bolt off you need to either have the tire on the ground and the center cap removed, or have the car in the air and the parking brake on. Your impact will need to sit hammering on the bolt for a bit to get it off....

https://www.supramkv.com/threads/axle-change-feedback-needed-bolt-wont-move.31392/

 

[Thraxbert]

I have the big boy M18 1/2” impact from Milwaukee and it could not crack the RR axle bolt. I had to bring out my 36" ¾-drive breaker before it would move. Quite surprised me, since I'm the first person to touch it after the factory.

Just a warning to others. Hopefully yours is easier.

 

[MisterSkiz]

I have the big boy M18 1/2” impact from Milwaukee and it could not crack the RR axle bolt. I had to bring out my 36" ¾-drive breaker before it would move. Quite surprised me, since I'm the first person to touch it after the factory.

Just a warning to others. Hopefully yours is easier.

My right angle M12 Impact finally did it after letting it sit on it for a literal minute or two - drained a full battery to half!

I could not find a way to fit a breaker bar in there as mine was not ratcheting

 

[SilverBully]

I just did mine in my garage....I'm going to write a DIY for things that caused me issues, but you should see my thread and the linked videos.

You're going to need a torque wrench and a right angle impact wrench - one the of 21mm bolts is on there so tight that I think it and the axle bolt was overtorqued at the factory.

When you take the axle bolt off you need to either have the tire on the ground and the center cap removed, or have the car in the air and the parking brake on. Your impact will need to sit hammering on the bolt for a bit to get it off....

https://www.supramkv.com/threads/axle-change-feedback-needed-bolt-wont-move.31392/

Thank you, I was able to get the axle off on friday and I am now waiting on replacement parts to be delivered so I can drive my car again.

My driver side axle broke at the inner cv joint (the differential side) while driving at parking lot speeds going up a ramp... the spherical cage snapped into 3 pieces. Now all I can think about is how I have no root cause for the failure and I am afraid it might happen again

 

[MisterSkiz]

Thank you, I was able to get the axle off on friday and I am now waiting on replacement parts to be delivered so I can drive my car again.

My driver side axle broke at the inner cv joint (the differential side) while driving at parking lot speeds going up a ramp... the spherical cage snapped into 3 pieces. Now all I can think about is how I have no root cause for the failure and I am afraid it might happen again

Glad to hear I helped!

Did you have too much fun with the car and maybe they had been made weak?

I'm glad the axle broke at a lower speed versus being on the highway.

Were you able to get the old axle out? The plastic piece around the axle literally just clips on and will not be able to be used with the new axles, so you could use a pry bar to get it out if needed. Make sure you if you do use a pry tool it is hitting the edge of the differential and not hitting the seals that the axle goes into.

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