I replaced both front half shafts (CV axles) on my 2002. Fairly easy DIY job that takes about 4-6 hours. You can buy aftermarket axles, I happened to get EMPI brand through Rock Auto Parts online. They fit perfect and have been working fine for over 5000 miles. Cost for the axles, seals, and diff fluid were about $250 shipped. You'll have to replace the front diff fluid because the axles act as a part of the sealing system. Remove the axles and you'll have a bunch of fluid on the ground. I used Royal Purple 75W-90 synthetic diff fluid.

While you have the front suspension apart it might be a good time to replace ball joints, bushings, etc. I didn't do that when I replaced the axles but now I have to. I wish I would have done it all while I had it apart.

If you order axles or axle assemblies they will come complete with cv joints and boots. They also come with new axle shaft nuts. I did not lose any fluid from the transfer case and did not replace any. Maybe I should look into that. Not sure how to check the level. Help anyone?

The inboard part of the axles (where they go into the diff housing) has a seal which must be replaced. It prevents fluid from leaking out. When you take out the axles you can see inside the diff; meaning, it is open to the axle openings. I'm willing to bet your seals were bad or you didn't replace them, allowing fluid to leak out. You probably have just enough fluid left in the diff case such that it won't leak out now (below the axle line). Better check the level and either top off or refill via the drain and fill holes.

How do I check the level and how do I fill? I did not replace the seals and I was aware of it being there from replacing axles on other vehicles. I have always been cautious about these seals and have never had a problem with one(knock on wood)!

I order the axle, I'll check the seal and deft level.... I only hire that clunking noise when passing over a bump or when I shift from P-N or N-D

There are two "plugs" on the diff case. One on the bottom used for draining the diff fluid. The other on the side (driver's side) used to refill. ALWAYS remove the fill plug first. The reason is simple....if you remove the drain plug and somehow you can't get the fill plug off you're basically screwed. Drained the fluid but don't have a way to refill.

With that said, just drain the old fluid and pump new fluid into the diff fill plug opening until it just starts to leak out of the fill hole. Make sure the vehicle is level. I don't remember the exact amount but it was somewhere around 1.5 quarts.

Great. Thanks. Now I have definite plans for tomorrow morning!

^it should come with the new axel.i had my drivers side axel replaced but for some reason its shot again and its only been 2,000 miles.any ideas on why it went bad already?i dont do off road driving and i dribe really slow espically around turns.i would think that its because i did order a refurbished axel but i do order a lot of refurbished things n none of them have gone wrong except for this axel

I need some help to determine what is the problem with my 2001 BMW X5 4.4i, when I shift gear I always hear clicking noise, now when I put in "Reverse", the whole car shook and sometimes I back up ok and sometimes I have to do reverse a few times in order to backup. Does anyone have any idea what seems to be a problem? I heard some people said I have the bad axles, is it true? Please advise.

sounds like a tranny problem.i have had a similar problem and i replaced both front axels, no difference when it comes to the problem you mentioned