Bad CV axles...need help!

[pattrick02]

Alright...so I found out the outer joints on both of my front cv axles on my 04 s4 are bad...real bad..and I have one in the rear that is bad too...I found the front cv axles for replacement..I'm probably going to purchase them from JHM. But, I can not seem to find the rear ones anywhere! Are they the same as the front? Or do I have to find a rear specific one?

Also, has anyone done a DIY on CV axle replacements for these vehicles...I'm not looking forward to taking it to a dealer, too costly! Is it hard to replace these? Anything specific I should look out for? Any input is greatly appreciated!

[Jdubya]

I've not done them in my S4 yet but I've done them in the Allroad. SHould be the same procedure. The axles themselves didn't go bad but both outer boots were torn. Left alone the axles would have went bad eventually.

The hardest part about the job is the bolt that holds the upper control arms to the outer spindle. If it's never been out before you're gonna have a hell of a time removing it. I would buy a new bolt and nut. I had to but both of them out to remove them.

If it wasn't for the bolt seizing up you're looking at aobut 2 hours per side to remove and re-install the axle.

[pattrick02]

yeahh...i 've never taken them out :/ hopefully nothing will be seized..but it's prone to happen i guess, like every car...do you know where I can find a rear cv axle? I found front ones, but nothing for the rear..