Changing the CV half-shaft does not require changing the wheel bearings and seals. I've changed half-shafts more times than I'd care to remember, and I've changed wheel bearings.
It appears the assembly comes off in very easy to manage pieces but the bearings look like a bear to change out!
Some of the people posting here have been fixing Eagles since before you were born. Really. Think about that.
This part bothers me because of something that shouldn't be related. Why is it there are people older than I am that say they know what they're doing and then within 5 minutes of them wrenching around on it they've already stripped a bolt or done something that can't be fixed without a LOT of time and effort? This forum seems to be the only exception to the heck I have to put up with whenever I so much as even LOOK at the hood of my car and I guess you noticed how much this has worn me away. It shows, you noticed, so feel good about yourself.
I found
this guide last night and it looks pretty solid to me. I'm going to follow through it to keep anything from going wrong.
Larger towns often have a CV reman place in town where they'll regrease and reboot a half-shaft while you wait and for low dollars. Under $30 here.
Thing is, I'm not in a larger town or I would have gone to such a place. Most shops are demanding over $280 because they charge $40/hr labor and want to replace the axle or something that doesn't really appear necessary to me. Then the manager will turn around and offer to buy the car from me. I'm sick of this crap. I'll do it myself.
Do they really need replacing or is this a show car?
Hah, I wish it were a show car. Then again I believe we all wish we could have our cars look like jewelry. For me that's never going to happen. I accept that. This is a car that I use all the time for very long commutes. My work is seasonal and full of very long hours, giving me next to no time for maintenance. It absolutely must be in top shape since there are also places I tend to go where I can't exactly afford to let it break down. I don't see any worn out metal here but every other grommet appears to be turning into a grainy sand when I touch them. This needs replacing. Now. I'll up a photo soon.
If you're willing to take on replacing a half-shaft, why on earth would you go to someone for an alignment, let alone rotation, both of which are orders of magnitude easier?
In short, peace. I would catch too much heck for it and I barely have the patience to do it because of this. Especially since most of the people in my family tend to think a warranty will magically keep something in great shape without any possible problem. Whenever I try something myself my family has to step in and say something to me that never helps anyone. Replacing/salvaging a half-shaft proved bad enough because of this issue. I'm starting to wonder if NAPA has CV boots. If I could get all of this done today it would make me so happy.
TSM Manual
I have a copy. Can't say the quality is something I like but it's better than nothing.