And that included the 45-50 minutes to go get the new one.

The story (quickly):

8:00pm: I was changing my tires for an autocross tomorrow (practice tomorrow, race Sunday), and when I got to the right front, I discovered most of the grease from the outer joint was coating the inside of the wheel. Since I had to be at the autocross, and had no other way of getting there, I had to change it tonight. Fortunately the Autozone where I had previously purchased the half-shaft is open until midnight.

8:30 pm: After calling to make sure I would be covered in the AM if I didn't finish in time, and making sure there was a halfshaft available, I attacked the half-shaft. No problem getting it out. Took less than 30 minutes. I cleaned up and borrowed a car to go to the autoparts store (which is about 10 miles away).

I got to the autoparts store and got the new half-shaft (free...covered under warranty ). Drove home, changed in to my work clothes, and went back to work. I had a little trouble getting the inner joint back in, but including cleaning up, and changing the rest of the wheels, I was done by 10:45pm.

I've obviously done this way too many times.

 

that's still "slow"... usually can be done at a shop in about 90 mins if it is just a swap

 

But the shop has the tools already out, the halfshaft there, and a lift. And my actual work time was only 90 minutes, including getting the tools and jackstands out and putting everything back.

 

Good job

I usually end up taking a lot of time when i'm working on my car. I kinda get carried away with 'sight-seeing'. lol

Btw, how can it be covered under warranty?

 

The part was covered under warranty by AutoZone it sounds like. Great job David! At least you didn't have to spend three hours getting the axle nut off like I did.

 

Geez David, first an enginethe night before a race, now a half shaft. Mr midnight mechanic

see you sunday.