10-17-2024, 11:23 AM
So, here’s the deal—changing the CV axle on my 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a complete nightmare until I got my hands on the right tool. I tried to go cheap at first, thinking any old puller would do the trick, but after struggling for hours (and probably saying more than a few words I shouldn’t), I realized I needed something stronger. Let me walk you through what worked for me and save you the trouble.
At first, I bought a budget CV axle puller from a local auto parts store, thinking I’d save a few bucks. Big mistake. It wasn’t sturdy enough and couldn’t handle the force required to break the axle loose from the Jeep’s hub. Every time I’d crank down on the puller, it would either slip or feel like it was going to bend. I eventually gave up on it because, honestly, I didn’t want to end up breaking something or injuring myself.
After that disaster, I did some research and picked up the OEMTools 27306 CV Axle Puller, and let me tell you—it was a total game-changer. This thing is built like a tank and gave me the leverage I needed to pop the axle free without damaging anything. It's specifically designed for jobs like this, where you need serious force to get the axle out without messing up your hub or surrounding components. Definitely worth the investment if you’re serious about doing this job right.
The Grand Cherokee isn’t exactly a lightweight vehicle, and its axles are beefier than what you'd find on smaller cars. A standard puller might work on a smaller sedan, but for a Jeep, you need something that can take on more force. The heavy-duty models, like the one I used, usually have stronger arms and a sturdier center screw, which helps apply even pressure and prevents slipping.
Before you even start using the puller, I found it helps to spray some penetrating oil around the axle joint and let it sit for a bit. This helps loosen up any rust or debris that might be causing the axle to stick. After that, when you apply the puller, it should come out a lot smoother.
Once you have everything set up, get your Jeep safely up on jack stands and remove the wheel. Always use jack stands, never trust just the jack! Next, you’ll need to remove the axle nut, which usually requires a 32mm socket, but check your model. After that, attach the puller securely to the axle. Make sure the arms of the puller grip the axle properly—this is where a good tool makes all the difference. Then, crank down on the center screw of the puller slowly and steadily. The axle should start to come loose from the hub. Don’t rush this—let the tool do the work.
After using the heavy-duty puller, my CV axle came out smoothly without any drama. Honestly, if you’re going to do a DIY axle replacement on a Grand Cherokee, I’d 100% recommend spending the extra bucks on a solid puller. It's better to invest in the right tool than waste time (and risk damage) trying to make a cheap one work.
If you’re doing this job yourself, don’t skimp on the tool. I learned the hard way that a good CV axle puller is worth its weight in gold. The OEMTools 27306 worked like a charm, and I haven’t had any issues with it since. Whether you’re a DIYer or even a semi-pro, this tool will make your life a whole lot easier when dealing with those stubborn Jeep axles.
Hope this helps someone out there who’s about to tackle this project. Trust me, get the right tool, and the job will go much smoother!
At first, I bought a budget CV axle puller from a local auto parts store, thinking I’d save a few bucks. Big mistake. It wasn’t sturdy enough and couldn’t handle the force required to break the axle loose from the Jeep’s hub. Every time I’d crank down on the puller, it would either slip or feel like it was going to bend. I eventually gave up on it because, honestly, I didn’t want to end up breaking something or injuring myself.
After that disaster, I did some research and picked up the OEMTools 27306 CV Axle Puller, and let me tell you—it was a total game-changer. This thing is built like a tank and gave me the leverage I needed to pop the axle free without damaging anything. It's specifically designed for jobs like this, where you need serious force to get the axle out without messing up your hub or surrounding components. Definitely worth the investment if you’re serious about doing this job right.
The Grand Cherokee isn’t exactly a lightweight vehicle, and its axles are beefier than what you'd find on smaller cars. A standard puller might work on a smaller sedan, but for a Jeep, you need something that can take on more force. The heavy-duty models, like the one I used, usually have stronger arms and a sturdier center screw, which helps apply even pressure and prevents slipping.
Before you even start using the puller, I found it helps to spray some penetrating oil around the axle joint and let it sit for a bit. This helps loosen up any rust or debris that might be causing the axle to stick. After that, when you apply the puller, it should come out a lot smoother.
Once you have everything set up, get your Jeep safely up on jack stands and remove the wheel. Always use jack stands, never trust just the jack! Next, you’ll need to remove the axle nut, which usually requires a 32mm socket, but check your model. After that, attach the puller securely to the axle. Make sure the arms of the puller grip the axle properly—this is where a good tool makes all the difference. Then, crank down on the center screw of the puller slowly and steadily. The axle should start to come loose from the hub. Don’t rush this—let the tool do the work.
After using the heavy-duty puller, my CV axle came out smoothly without any drama. Honestly, if you’re going to do a DIY axle replacement on a Grand Cherokee, I’d 100% recommend spending the extra bucks on a solid puller. It's better to invest in the right tool than waste time (and risk damage) trying to make a cheap one work.
If you’re doing this job yourself, don’t skimp on the tool. I learned the hard way that a good CV axle puller is worth its weight in gold. The OEMTools 27306 worked like a charm, and I haven’t had any issues with it since. Whether you’re a DIYer or even a semi-pro, this tool will make your life a whole lot easier when dealing with those stubborn Jeep axles.
Hope this helps someone out there who’s about to tackle this project. Trust me, get the right tool, and the job will go much smoother!