Inner CV joint separated during lower control arm replacement

[Utah_Rob]

Finally getting after replacing front lower control arms and rear upper control arms on my 2013 LR4. Got the front lower control arm out on the driver's side without having to cut anything out. However, the inner CV joint separated during the process. I didn't realize there was nothing retaining the inner CV joint! Both boots are still in tact. Any suggestions for getting the inner CV joint back in place? I haven't removed the axle nut (yet) and the axle appears to be seated completely on the diff side.

Thanks!

Rob

 

[CPalacay]

With both front wheels off the ground, you should be able to rotate the wheel hub while pushing inward on the CV shaft. This should help the teeth on the shaft line up with the CV joint.

 

[Utah_Rob]

Tried doing this and tore the inner boot. It seems I have two options at this point: 1) boot kit or 2) new half shaft. Neither sound fun and both seem to require a **** ton of LR specialized tools. I am leaning towards boot kit since I would rather be able to take the boots on and off and inspect, grease, and reassemble CVs if needed. I also have not had any problems with any boots or axles up to this point. I also dread dealing with pulling the axle out of the diff and dealing with the seal. My 20113 has 137k miles on it. Is it foolish to replace the boots on axles this old?

 

[alldazed]

FWIW I just replaced front passenger axle shaft on a 2011 rrs which uses the same part. I was intimidated by it initially but it went ok in the end . No special tools used , did it on axle stands. Tapped the shaft back through the bearing splines a bit just to make sure it moved.Beat the tie rod end out with a hammer with the nut on still to protect the threads, used a pickle fork on an air hammer to separate the upper ball joint and with the suspension still in off road mode jacked up the lca a little and beat the side of the lower ball joint and it popped off. Removed steering knuckle. Pried the shaft at the inner end with skid plate removed with a pry bar and it eventually popped out. It has the roll clip type of affair holding it in the detent it sits in inside the diff. Easier to put back together than taking apart as no separation involved. Got a new cardone one from rock auto for $99. So far so good. Comes with new axle nut too. Good luck if you go that route.