CV axles, also known as constant velocity axles, deliver the power from the transmission to the wheels. These axles feature constant-velocity joints that allow power transmission at various angles as the wheels go up and down. These joints are protected with boots to protect them from road salt, damage, and external conditions. However, with time and constant exposure to different road conditions, they wear out and have to be replaced.
If you suspect that your CV axle shaft is old and worn out and you can notice symptoms of a bad CV axle shaft, like excessive vibrations. loud clicking while turning turns, or grease leaking from the CV joint, it’s time for CV axle shaft replacement. Read on to learn how to replace a CV axle shaft yourself.
1 Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a New CV Axle
The tools required for replacing a CV axle vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle and the design of the CV axle. However, some common tools that may be needed for a typical CV axle installation are mentioned below.
Tools Required For CV Axle Installation
It’s also important to have a service manual for the specific make and model of vehicle you are working on, as it may have additional instructions and information on the tools required for the job. Referring to the manual is important because there are some specialized tools that might be required to remove or install some parts of the CV axle.
2 Remove The Axle Nut
Remove the hub cap of the wheel that you are working on. Vehicles with rims may have a center cap instead of a hubcap. It is essential to remove the hub cap to access the axle nut. Once the hub cap is removed, use a plier to pull out the cotter pin (if present) on the axle nut. This nut will require a significant amount of torque to loosen, and it’s much safer to remove it before raising the vehicle. The axle nut size can vary depending on the vehicle’s make and model. To know the exact size of the socket you need, refer to your service manual.
3 Lift The Car
After removing the axle nut and cotter pin, the next step is to remove the wheel. To do this, the vehicle needs to be lifted. It’s crucial to consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual to locate the correct spot to jack up the car and ensure that the jack is placed on the frame and not on any fragile body parts. Before raising the vehicle, double-check that the car is in the park and the parking brake is engaged. After lifting the vehicle, secure it on jack stands to provide more stability.
4 Remove The Wheel
The lug nuts that hold the wheel in place will now be visible after removing the hubcap. The same procedure used to change a tire can be applied to remove the wheel. Take a lug wrench and carefully remove the lug nuts, then take off the wheel.
5 Remove The Brake Caliper
With the wheel removed, the brake caliper and rotor will be visible. The caliper housing is the bigger piece attached to the rotor’s outside. The caliper is held on the rotor’s rear side by bolts in a mounting bracket. The configuration of this bracket will vary depending on the vehicle’s make and model. The mounting bracket commonly uses 17mm bolts. Take a wrench and remove the brake caliper. It’s important to keep some slack in the brake line to avoid putting too much stress on it. One way to do this is to suspend the caliper using a short bungee cord while you work.
6 Remove The Tie Rod From The Steering Knuckle
The tie rods are connected to the steering rack assembly and the steering knuckle. Use penetrating lubricant to remove any rust or deposits on the outer tie rod nut. Use a wrench to loosen the castle nut or pinch bolt that secures the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle. After removing the nut, use a hammer to gently tap the knuckle. This will allow the tie rod end to pop out of the steering knuckle. Similarly, remove the control arm ball joint too. Refer to our tie rod installation guide and control arm replacement guide on how to remove them safely.
7 Remove The Wheel Hub Assembly
On most cars, the wheel hub assembly and the knuckle are connected to the strut tower by two bolts. Once these bolts are removed, the hub can be removed. This will also disconnect the CV axle from the wheel hub assembly. If it’s stuck and hard to separate the two, use a punch and a hammer to push the CV axle out of the hub assembly.
8 Remove The CV Axle
Once the axle shaft is removed from the wheel hub assembly, check the other end where it connects to the transmission. Use a CV axle removal tool to remove the axle from the joint safely. If the axle does not come loose easily, you may need to apply some force by twisting it back and forth to break the seal. It is normal for some transmission fluid to leak out as you remove the axle from the CV joint. You can also use a small pry bar or a sturdy flathead screwdriver to pull the CV axle shaft. However, the CV axle installation tool or CV axle puller is recommended. Place an oil drain pan before removing the CV axle.
| Ford F150 (2004-2008) | Use a 13mm socket to loosen the CV axle bolts, which will then separate the wheel hub. Lastly, there are four 12mm bolts at the other end of the CV axle to completely remove the axle. |
| Dodge Ram 1500 (2012-2017) | Use a 36mm socket to loosen the CV axle bolt, along with a 21mm socket to loosen the axle from behind as well. Then use a hammer to gently tap on the stub shaft, which will remove the axle completely from the differential. |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2007-2015) | Use a 35mm socket to loosen the CV axle nut and an 18mm wrench to loosen the upper ball joint nut to loosen up the knuckle. Then use a 15mm socket to loosen the bolts that connect the other end of the CV axle to the differential. |
| Chevrolet Silverado 2500 (1999-2007) | Use a 36mm socket to loosen the axle nut. After doing this, use a 14mm socket to loosen the other end of the shaft, which is connected to the CV axle hub, which goes in the differential. |
| Honda Civic (2003-2005) | Use a 32mm socket to loosen the axle bolts. After doing this, simply pull the axle out, and it should come out with ease. It is a good idea to place an oil drain pan, just in case there’s some oil coming out of the differential. |
| Toyota Corolla (1995-1999) | Use a 30mm socket to loosen the axle nuts. Then simply use a hammer to gently tap on the axle in the outside direction, which will let you remove the axle completely. |
| Volkswagen Jetta (2006-2010) | Use a 24mm 12-point socket to loosen the axle nut. Then simply use a hammer to gently tap on the axle in the outside direction, which will let you remove the axle completely. |
| Hyundai Elantra (2011-2016) | Use a 32mm socket to loosen the axle nut. After that, use a prying tool to remove the other end of the axle from the differential, and you are good to go. |
| GMC Sierra 1500 (2007-2013) | Use a 35mm socket to loosen the axle nut. Then use a 15mm socket to loosen the six bolts holding the other end of the axle to the hub, which goes in the differential. |
| Mazda 3 Series (2004-2013) | Use a 32mm socket to loosen the axle nut, and after that, use a hammer to gently tap on the other end of the shaft to remove it completely. |
9 Check and Replace The CV Axle Seal
Examine the old axle seal located in the transmission case. While replacing CV axles, always replace the seals. A faulty seal or an old seal with a high mileage can fail, necessitating repairs and replacement. When installing the CV axle seal, make sure it is flush with the transmission housing and properly seated.
10 Install The New CV Axle
Insert the new CV axle into the transmission housing in the same manner you removed the old one. Before inserting the new CV axle, apply some grease to the splines. The peg on the axle should slide easily until it is flush against the housing. You should be able to feel a small C-clip on the axle snapping into place. If the axle does not appear flush, use a rubber mallet to tap it into the proper position.
11 Reinstall The Wheel Hub Assembly
Insert the CV axle safely into the center of the hub assembly. Once the hub assembly and CV axle are connected, attach the hub assembly and the steering knuckle to the strut tower and fasten the bolts. Next, reconnect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle and reattach the caliper. It is recommended to replace any old cotter pins, as they may be brittle and unsuitable for reuse.
12 Reattach The Wheel
The last step is to install the wheels and tighten the lug nuts using a torque wrench. Safely lower the vehicle and remove the jack and jack stands. To finish the process, tighten the axle nut with the vehicle back on the ground. It is recommended to clean the threads of the axle with a brake cleaner to remove any grease that may have accumulated while attaching the axle to the hub.
13 Common Mistakes When Installing CV Axles & How to Avoid Them
Replacing a CV axle can be a challenging task, and there are several common mistakes that can be made during the installation process. Here are a few of the most common mistakes made when installing CV axles and how to avoid them:
1. Not Using The Correct Tools
Using the wrong tools for the job can make the installation process more difficult. They may lead to improper installation of the CV axle. Ensure you have all the correct tools and consult the service manual for the installation process specific to your vehicle’s make and model.
2. Not Cleaning And Lubricating The Wheel Hub And Transmission
A dirty or corroded wheel hub or transmission can make it challenging to replace a CV axle properly. Clean and lubricate the hub and transmission before installing the new CV axle.
3. Not Aligning The CV Joint Properly
The CV joint must be properly aligned with the wheel hub during installation in order for the CV axle to function properly. If the CV joint is not aligned correctly, it can lead to vibrations or noise while driving.
4. Not Properly Tightening The Nut On The End Of The CV Axle
The nut on the end of the CV axle must be tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications in order to ensure that the CV axle is properly secured. Use a torque wrench to ensure that the nut is tightened to the correct torque.
5. Not Properly Installing The CV Boot
The CV boot is a protective cover that keeps dirt and debris out of the CV joint. If the boot is not properly installed, it can lead to damage to the CV joint. Make sure the boot is securely in place, and use the proper clamps to hold it in place.
6. Not Testing The Vehicle After Installation
After replacing the CV axle successfully, it’s important to test drive the vehicle to ensure that the installation was successful. Look for any unusual vibrations, noises, or issues with the vehicle’s handling and address them accordingly.
The CV axle plays a crucial role in a vehicle’s drivetrain, connecting the transmission to the wheel hub and allowing power to be transferred from the engine to the wheels. Therefore, it is important to follow the steps above and use the correct tools for the job. Consult the service manual for the specific vehicle make and model, and if you’re not comfortable working on the car, seek the help of a professional mechanic. You can also use these tips and tricks to simplify the CV axle replacement process and ensure a perfect installation.
14 Should I Repair or Replace A Damaged CV Axle?
A CV (constant velocity) axle is a crucial component of a vehicle’s drivetrain, connecting the transmission to the wheels and allowing for smooth power transfer while turning. If a CV axle becomes damaged, it can affect the vehicle’s handling and even damage the transmission and other components.
- Choosing whether to repair or replace a damaged CV axle can be difficult. It’s important to consider the vehicle’s age, mileage, and overall condition. If the vehicle is older or has high mileage, it may make more sense to replace the CV axle. If the vehicle is relatively new and has low mileage, it may make sense to repair the CV axle instead of replacing it.
- Another important factor to consider is the type of driving that the vehicle will be used for. If the vehicle is going to be used for heavy-duty or off-road use, a replacement CV axle may be the better option.
- If the CV boot is torn and you see grease leaking, get your CV axle checked. A torn or leaking boot can allow dirt and contaminants to damage the CV axle. In such a condition, replacing the CV boot is enough. However, performing a proper diagnosis is necessary to ensure the CV axle and the CV joint are in good condition to prevent breakdowns.
