how to get front hub assembly bolts off, removing axle

[elcid98]

first off, thanks for all the responses to my earlier posts and I apologize for all the questions.

long story short I'm replacing a bad hub assembly in front driver side of my 2011 Ram 1500.

I'm following this video How To Install Repair Replace Front Wheel Bearing Hub Dodge Ram 1500 02-08 1AAuto.com - YouTube and I've got calipers, caliper bracket, spindle nut and rotors off and now I'm stuck trying to get axle off so I can access the hub assembly bolts (04:13 in above video)

see the picture below where outer cv joint of front axle limits access to hub bolts



it looks like I just need to pry axle out from front differential but I can only get it out about 1/4 inch. Here is my inner cv joint where it looks like I just need to pry it off?


I can access one of the bolts holding hub assembly in place without removing axle but I'm worried that I may damage outer CV joint on the axle if I keep trying to remove the bolts without removing the axle.

so I'm pretty much stuck trying to get the axle out...I can move it about 1/4 inch that is all. the video is for an 02 - 08 and I have a 2011 so not sure if there is an additional step I'm missing

so I guess my questions are:
1. Am I missing anything to get axle out, or do I just need to try harder?
2. if I can wedge my socket in there without removing the axle and remove it with my air wrench could that potentially damage my outer CV joint?

 

[elcid98]

Ok, I got the bolts removed without removing axle. I have my hub assembly replaced and everything put back together... ABS, ECS and SERV 4WD lights went off and life is good. I'm even showing better gas mileage

Here's what I did

 

[HolyRamBatman]

Good to hear you got it fixed. Sometimes it takes rethinking what you're doing.

 

[elcid98]

thanks, the instruction video from 1AAuto were spot on with exception of removing axle. Saved some serious cash doing it myself...and I only smashed my fingers once.

 

[Jeepkid]

why did you have to change the hubs? what kinda of issue did you get?

 

[elcid98]

kept hitting a pothole on hwy 49 and my bearing assembly was shot. I had to replace bearing assembly