FYI, it is easy to replace your axles. You can buy rebuilt ones for about $55 each and simply swap them out in a couple hours. I have done this a few times on my Accord...

 

I had the same problem over the summer. I jacked up my car one day to work on it, and there was a tear in the cv boot. This explained the grease that was on my rim (this grease is a ***** to get off!). I called a shop, and they said $150 to repalce it (BTW, I live in Seattle, and $300-$500 it way too much!). I then called Napa, and they said a rebuilt CV axle (Constant Velocity Axle) would be $60 ($140, then after the core is returned, its $60). So I bought one for $140, and went to a friend who had a air gun. You need to take off the axle nut to get to the CV axle (this is the nut you see on your rim that's in the dead center, in the middle of the lug nuts). You need an impact wrench to get it off. I broke two ratchets with a breaker bar trying to get the nut off. So once the nut is loose, take off the rim. I forget the steps, but its pretty simple. Should take an hour or so. I took the old axle back for my $80. So it was much cheaper doing it myself.

 

thanks for the info guys

 

:werd: and there is also a $10-15 kit that comes with more grease and a new rubber boot to replace the torn cv boot with. you still have to take the axle apart, but at least you don't have to drop the dollars for the new cv joint.

doesn't anybody do their own maintenance around here? i'll be damned if i'll throw away $350 to 500 for somebody else to do the job for me. i sware, most of the work i've done on my accord has been doable with my $30 auto tool set. maybe i've had to also use a vise grip, but nothing more than that.

you guys need to cop dat Hayes repair manual with the quickness--$15!

and it REALLY helps to befriend someone with a garage!