Thanks faranks,

Did you only do the one side? Although I believe in 'don't fix it if it ain't broke', but I also believe in 'while you're there'.. So I was thinking I may as well do both sides as the car has 105k miles on it and I'm sure they'd be original axles.

Are there any 'special' tools required, or any pointers you can give? I'm a competent mechanic but have never changed a cv axle before so if you can give me a headsup on anything I'd appreciate it.