Hi everyone, my first post / question.

Model: 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha

My 17 year old son just had the lower ball joint break on the front passenger side of his Hummer - and it looks like things rumbled around before he made it to the side of the road. (see picture) Hummer was towed to the house and now we are accessing the damage.
1. I can see that the CV Axle has separated / broke - I am unfamilair with this so - can I fix this or do I replace?
2. If I replace the CV Axle on the passenger side, do I need to replace on the driver side? (i read somewhere that newer half-shafts may be a little longer)
3. I am concerned that the sway-bar may be bent, can anyone tell from the picture?
4. We have talked about new shocks, I guess while doing these repairs would be the optimal time to replace or does it really matter?
5. I am going to replace the sway link as well, should I take care of anything more while I am here?

I am not a mechanic

but almost always figure out how to fix my vehicles, plus I use these oportunites to show my son how he can do these things and save a bunch of money.

Thank you.

 

As long as the tripod bearings are still intact, install a new boot & grease, push it back in, secure with band clamps, and drive on.

 

Judging by the photo - replace the CV Axle. It must be replaced with a new one.
Replace bearing and seal immediately.
You can remove the entire drive axle and drive without it. Just need to block the differential in the transmission.

 

Thank you folks for your response. Well I have two conflicting responses - I am hoping to have time to delve into it this evening after work and maybe have a better understanding of the damage.

 

A 2008 Alpha with how many miles?

Do yourself a favor, replace it with an ACDelco half shaft and do NOT use the aftermarket cheap stuff as many are too short, rebuilt and not worth that fleet feeling of saving a couple bucks only to have it create more problems and have to replace it again, and again.......

RockAuto has them ACDELCO 15886012 $252.89 and you can sometimes find them online for better prices if you had time. The $65 replacements are cheap for a reason.

If you want to rebuild the busted one, do it after the replacement for a spare.

Good luck.

 

I happen to agree with Doc Olds on this particular repair. If $265 is too much for a reliable repair, get rid of the vehicle. It just makes good sense to repair something with the best value in terms of quality and price.
Hummerz and Diesel have a plethora of experience, but this time I say..."Get the best value replacement parts". Happy Trails!

 

Done, Thank you guys for your expertise and help.

Shawn

 

Ooops forgot to mention it has 168,000 miles

 

Lower ball joint separated causing cv axle to EXTEND and separate from the inner joint. Why spend $265 when you can get a boot kit for less than $20?

 

I really don't see this forum as being a place for competitive situations. My goal in posting ANY comment is to assist people with my experience and common sense. So far, I believe both sentences above define your willingness to help. I see no reason for me to enter into conjecture regarding the damage to the parts on another person's vehicle. Yes, repairing the way you suggest MIGHT be sufficient. Repairing with the parts suggested by Doc Olds WILL be sufficient. Your experience, Hummerz, is top drawer! I have no desire to argue with you. Let's leave it at that. I will always respect your experience with regards to H3 Hummers!