2012 dodge caravan are the axle nuts reusable

https://www.chryslerminivan.net/threads/front-axle-nut-torque-specs.172118/

No. It is only held on by the lug nuts. If it is stuck you may need to hit it with a rubber mallet, or use a block of wood and regular hammer.

STEP BY STEP Dodge Grand Caravan FRONT brake pads rotors using basic tools...

torque the axle nut to 105 ft pounds

Check the torque of the front axle nuts, I've seen this several times, the snap is coming from axle through the splines of the front bearing. I am positive this is your problem and torquing nuts will fix it.

The oil filter location on the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan with a 3.6L engine is on top of the engine. Standing in front of the van, look slightly to your left on top of he engine. just where the air intake goes to the engine. You will see a 2.5 in black cap with a large hex nut make on top. The cap is labeled "Do Not Open With Engine Running'. You filter is inside this cylinder.

180 ft lbs.

remove front wheel, remove nut on cv joint, next remove bolt from lower balljoint, break free to sperate balljoint from spindle, use a fork and hammer and a pry bar to pry lower arm out of the spindle, pull sindle back and slide axle out of hub, use wire to tie spindle back out of the way as far as it will go, caution of abs wire and brake hose, dont pull to far away, next use a long pry bar and go between back of axle joint and trany, give a quick pry to pop out of trany, to install new one apply grease to the lock ring on the end of axle that goes into trany, center the clip best you can, slide into trany then at other hit with a hammer you may want to put nut on so not to damage threads, you will feel axle pop in and lock, reverse order to put together. hope this helps.

TORQUE AT 45 FT LBS.WHILE VAN IN RAISED POSITION.WHEN LOWER ON GROUND TIGHTEN AXLE NUT WITH BRAKES APPLIED TORQUE AXLE NUT 180 FT LBS.BESURE TO REPLACE OLD COTTER PINS WITH NEW ONES.

The proper fluid for that Tranamiaaion is Mopar ATF Plus 3 Type 7176. I recommend using it as I have found it does make a difference.

LOW-REVERSE BAND:

1. Loosen, then back off lock-nut approximately five turns.
2. Tighten adjusting screw to 41 in.lb.
3. Back adjusting screw off 3½ turns, then tighten lock-nut to specifications

KICK DOWN BAND
The kick down band adjusting screw is located on the left side, top front of the trans-axle case.

1. Loosen lock-nut and back off nut approximately five turns. Ensure adjusting screw turns freely in the trans-axle case.
2. Using tool No. C-3880-A and adapter tool No. C-3705 , or equivalents, tighten band adjusting screw to72 in.lb.
3. Back adjusting screw off 2¼ turns, then holding screw in position, tighten lock-nut to specifications.

Good luck and keep me posted, be glad to answer any other questions you may have.

To change the CV axle, you have to remove the lower ball joint, remove the axle nut, remove from hub, (you can pull the strut out far enough to do this), and the axle will pull out. Install in reverse order. Sounds like you were trying to remove the transmission.