DIY: front CV axle replacement

[arjun90]

All you have to do is just disconnect the upper control arms (not from the spindle) but from the strut assembly hat itself using a ratchet / wrench, or wrench/wrench along with hands for feel, also disconnect the outer tie rods as well

[RyanB]

No idea how many of these I've done and on my car it is nearly impossible to get it back in without removing the pinch bolt, simply not enough room, need another 1/8" to 1/4" on the drivers side. I've somehow managed each time but it always takes way too long. Doing it again right now and coming back to see if there are any helpful tips that I'm forgetting. I hate doing axles on this car.

You turned the wheel your working on to full lock so you can pull it out of the rear of the spindle while having the inner joint up past the flange?

All you have to do is just disconnect the upper control arms (not from the spindle) but from the strut assembly hat itself using a ratchet / wrench, or wrench/wrench along with hands for feel, also disconnect the outer tie rods as well

I know people hate their rusted to hell pinch bolts, but my impression is that the body and spring get in the way of any control arm detachment from the hat. And good luck getting the correct arm angle when reinstalling it.