Has anyone had any success tearing down an ifs axle without the special service tool. I've been looking in to the process and it could be complicated without them. Thanks for any advice.

 

I suppose

 

Ive done it without any special tools for an axle off of my t100. I had to install longer shafts on my brand new axles for my long travel. There is really no reason to bother as far as a rebuild, you can bring the axle in to autozone and get a new one for $65.

The inner cv is just a cup with slots that the bearings spin in. Very easy to get to the snap ring and remove the shaft.

The outer is a different story. You have to hit the housing with a Brass hammer at the exact right spot so you open the inner snap ring and dont break it. If you break it good luck finding a new one because they dont have a part # I found an axle rebuild place on ebay that said they can get me some but i ended up making a few out of another snap ring. It was a huge pain.

Also good luck getting the balls back into the star and into the housing the right way

what kind of axle and why are you needing to tear it down?

 

I suppose I used the wrong word, I was more concerned about my front diff. It makes a howling noise when locked in. I was looking at the break down in a service manual and it call for several SST's. So I was wondering if it can be done without causing any major damage. I know my way around a wrench but certain thing are to much of a pain to try without the right tools.

 

I have not opened one up personally. Sorry.

But post up what vehicle and if you have gears, lockers etc. howling sounds like the gear mesh is too tight. That could be a mistake during the install of new gears/locker.

Hopefully someone comes along and can answer your question

 

Everything is completely stock, I'm thinking I may have a bearing going bad somewhere.

 

Front diffs are a dime a dozen around here, have you considered swapping it out?

 

It's not your front diff that's making the sound. I'd bet $100.00 on that. There is a bushing on the back side of your spindle that does not get greased unless you grease it your self by doing what I'm about to say. Unbolt your hub. Once its unbolted pull the C clip off you axle. Now you should be able to shove your axle out a little. Takes grease gun and grease the back side of the axle were it slides into spindle. I mean a whole lot of grease. Now bolt it back together and do the other side. I betcha that fixes your problem. I have had to do this to both my yota's and my moms. There's also right ups on here about it.

 

Awesome I'll try that first since it's an easier process, thanks for the advice.