diy or shop?

[p-y-r-o]

My abs, trac off and ses lights came on so I took my car to midas and they say my wheel speed sensor is out. They said to replace my hub it would run around $400. They also said my cv axle shaft was out and it would be about $200 to replace that. So my question is, how hard is it to replace these things? Also, how long can i leave them without repair?

[sunrunner_pei]

You can drive indefinitely with the WSS not working, so long as you can live with the annoying lights and the lack of ABS/ETS.

However, a bad CV joint is another story. Is it exhibiting any symptoms of a bad CV joint?

[p-y-r-o]

Yeah, the click click click when I turn.

[sunrunner_pei]

Yup, that'd be a CV joint all right. :) Best to have it replaced ASAP. If you can afford it, it's best to stick with new parts vs. reman parts.

[p-y-r-o]

How hard would it be to replace myself?

[sunrunner_pei]

That all depends on your tools, experience, and comfort level. AFAIK it's a pretty straightforward job, but one I personally would have a shop perform.

[p-y-r-o]

Does it take special tools? I have some general know how. Not too much experience, but not too little. I tend to know how to get things done.
And with my ses, trac off and abs lights only coming on sometimes does that mean my wss is trying to go out or could it be something else?

[sunrunner_pei]

Does it take special tools? I have some general know how. Not too much experience, but not too little. I tend to know how to get things done.
And with my ses, trac off and abs lights only coming on sometimes does that mean my wss is trying to go out or could it be something else?

I don't feel right giving advice one way or the other, it's really a decision you have to make for yourself.

As for the WSS problem, see our entry about it in thr FAQ: http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/faq.php?faq=errors#faq_ets

[p-y-r-o]

They told me that my wss was out but my lights don't stay on. But if all it's gonna do is put up the light i'm not too worried about it.
I guess $200 isn't that much for a shop to replace my cv axle and since I wouldn't be able to do it for another month or two (broken arm) I guess i'll just let the pros do it if it needs to be done asap. Thanks for your help!

[jonnythan]

I've replaced both driveshafts on my '98.

It was pretty straightforward, really. Pretty much all I had to do was take the wheel off, pop the lower ball joint off the steering knuckle, then use a tool I rented from Autozone to push the driveshaft out through the middle of the steering knuckle. Maybe 2.5 hours total for the first one, and about 1.5 hours on the second now that I knew how everything worked.

I'm not sure how different the 01 is.

$200 isn't a bad price if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself. The driveshafts were $60 and $70 at Autozone.

[p-y-r-o]

I'm comfortable with doing it i'm sure I could but since it's been clicking for awhile i'm sure it needs to be done soon and I won't be able to do it myself for a month or two because of the broken arm.
What about the hub? I've replaced a hub assembly on a 97 nissan. I don't know if it would be the same or not.

[jonnythan]

The hub wasn't so bad on the '98 either. It was basically three bolts (after you took off the rotor, driveshaft, and brake caliper). The tough part was physically separating the hub from the steering knuckle. They were rusted together. It took quite a lot of whacking with a hammer before they separated.

Again, the 01 may be totally different.

[ENGGUY]

Pretty much all new CV shafts that are in the autoparts stores are made in china. Your better off going with a good rebuilt unit. Last time I did them on our Subaru, I got 2 cv shafts from NAPA, "made in china" both made noise from the get go. And one stopped making noise I kept it. It was $75. or so, I took the other back and went to the dealer $200 for a rebuilt, it has not made any noise. The parts guy said they will not stock and sell any CV's from china, as they had too many returns. Just a heads up.