Will the axle shaft fit through the strut fork? The KIA tech manual says to loosen the two bolts on the the strut fork and then spread it apart using a rubber mallet. It aso says to loosen the pivot point on the lower control arm.

No where does it say this is necessary in removing the axle shaft. I just want to know for sure so before I start the tear down. I know everything else that is required <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I dropped my front axle assembly and re-installed it without loosening the fork. The shaft does fit through the fork. But it is a tight fit and you need to get the proper angle to do so. And I had unbolted the lower ball joint and tie rod end to allow the spindle/knuckle assembly to pivot at the upper ball joint to get the shafts out. It worked, but split the rubber on the upper ball joint completely (mine were already partially split anyway). That said, the "proper" angle was a matter of manipulating the spindle and shaft until it worked out... can't describe it any better than that. Hope that helps... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

That is what I was wanting to know. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

When I removed my front axle i thought it was less of a hassle to remove one half of the fork than to wrestle the axles through the forks.

Dennis