Suspicious noise from the front right wheel area, inspecting today while I'm installing rear brake pads.

If I need a new shaft, what is the best tool/method for pulling the shaft out of the trans. case and separating it from the ring clip? A few videos out there - some people use a screwdriver, others a prybar - any suggestions appreciated; I do not want to damage anything.

 

We just use a big pry bar. Actually have one that is like 3 feet long just for this.

 

Careful of the fork type tools. I used one i got from amazon. Axle was so stuck that I hammered so hard that I put a hole in the trans case. Lucky i was changing the trans or I would have screwed myself. Axle was so stuck I had to cut it in half to get trans out!

 

Man, I don't have time to deal with a nightmare scenario like that - I might have to fork over the $ and let the shop do it if I need a new one.

 

I can only guess the mystery noise is the wheel hub - shaft boots look great no tears, no fluid/grease anywhere. No leak at the trans/shaft connection. Tie rod rubber looks fine, nothing dangling around or loose that I could see/feel.

Hate effing mysteries - they almost always take more time and cost more $.