996 TT front axels remove & replace

[Hogapalooza]

I'm not new here but I don't post. I have a Q? that I'm researching for an upcoming DIY project on my 03 X50.

Doing some general inspection on the car I noticed both outer front CV boots are torn. They are only open it seems when the wheels are being turned and not much grease has been thrown out yet.

I found a guy that seems to have a good reputation and who specializes in rebuilding axels & CV joints willing to do that for me at what seems to be a very reasonable price. The only thing is he is a few states away and I need to ship the axels to him.

The cost of the only machanic around me that I'd trust on my car makes me want to go this route and take them out myself. I've found a few write ups on the front barring removal and replace which is part of the work needed. As well a a few that talk about taking out the axels for boot replacement. The boot replacement articles have no pics and none of them have no torque settings.

I do know the axel nut is about 350' lbs but that's it as far as torque settings go. I also know the ball joints need to be removed and the hub swung out of the way. That the tolerance of the shaft in the hub is very tight and will probably need some dead blow encouragement to get out but I'm not sure if I need some kind of press to get it back in?

What links to DIY write ups for this have I missed? Any will be great, even if I've read them I appreciate the help. For those that's done this what pointers do you have? Where can I find to torque settings for all the nuts & bolts I'll be dealing w/? A list of needed tools?

I'm in no hurry. In about 2 weeks are so I'll be replacing the water pump that just went out as I pulled into my garage, yes literally as I pulled in. What a great place to break down. I've reviewed all I can find on it and it seems pretty straight forward but time consuming for 1 person to do. I even bought a Airlift to replace the coolant.

So after I get the water pump out of the way and let the dust settle w/ my wife on tinkering on my car I'll do the front axels. Also should I go ahead and do all 4 new shocks and lower springs while I'm waiting for the axels to come back? I figure I'll need a new alignment but I I won't then they can wait. If I will need a new allingment and it's suggested I do the shocks/springs then I'll do the RSS rear toe steers and Tarret locking plates.

Anyway thanks for taking the time to read this long post. I appreciate any suggestions, links, pics, & help. Sorry for any typos as I typed this whole post out on my IPhone.

[Loren]

All is covered in the 996TT Service Manual.

[Hogapalooza]

Thank you. When I get to this DIY I'll do my best to document and take pics for this place.