How to change a CV axle in a 2000 VW Passat
Begin by removing the hub cap and loosing the axle bolt. It will be very tight. I had an assistant hold the brake while I stood on the breaker bar.
If the original axle nut is in place, it uses a 17mm hex key. I did not have one but Autozone did.
With the axle nut out, I then lifted the car and removed the wheel. This step may not be necessary but it made the later steps easier.
I used a screwdriver in the vanes of the brake rotor to keep it from rotating. I then used a 10mm VW star bit to remove the bolts that hold the axle to the transmission.
Next, I used a support to compress the spring as much as possible. This allowed the axle to tip down and I was able to remove it form the car without taking anything else out.
The new axle slipped in easily. I tightened down the six small bolts and then torques the center bolt to 140 ft lbs still using the screwdriver to hold the brake rotor.
I put the wheel back on and and lowered the car. The Bentley manual calls for an extra half turn on the bolt but I was not able to get a full half turn. I called it good and put the hub cap back in palce.
A test drive showed the clicking and vibration was gone.