Replace CV Axle
How to Replace a CV Axle / Half Shaft
Most all of today’s front wheel drive and all wheel drive vehicles have
axles with
CV joints. Because there are two of
them, one for each side, they are often called half shafts. These axles are designed
with a constant velocity (CV) joint at each end. The purpose of the CV joint is
to transfer power to the wheels while the vehicle is going straight or turning.
The axle rarely ever goes bad. However, the CV joints do. The most common cause
of failure is due to a rubber boot, that seals grease in the joint and keeps dirt
out, rips allowing dirt to enter and grease to leak. When this happens, the driver
may hear a clicking noise when turning which
indicates the joint is bad and needs replaced.
Today, the cost of only replacing a CV joint is outweighed because of the labor
to remove the joint from the axle. Purchasing a new axle with new joints is actually
cheaper than paying the labor required to just replace the joint. Therefore, it
has become a common practice to just replace the entire axle with new joints.
Parts and Supplies Needed to Replace a CV Axle 1 - New CV axle 2 - Protective clothing 3 - Eye protection
Tools Needed to Complete this Job 1 - Floor Jack
2 - Jack stands 3 - Ratchet and sockets 4 - Pliers 5 - Ball joint fork 6 - Hammer 7 - Center punch
Removal Instructions Step 1 - Park the vehicle on a flat firm location making sure the front wheels are pointing straight. Turn the key off so the steering wheel locks. Step 2 - Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Step 3 - Using the floor jack, lift the front of the vehicle and place jack stands in a safe location. Step 4 - Once you have secured the vehicle on the jack stands, remove the front wheel on the side the axle is being replaced and set aside. Step 5 - Unbolt the brake caliper and remove. Using mechanics wire, hang the caliper from under the fender. Do not allow it to hang from brake hose. Step 6 - Remove brake rotor. Step 7 - Next, remove the large nut (usually around 1” or 1/14”) that is holding the hub bearing in place. NOTE: You may have to remove a cotter pin and locking device to access this nut. Step 8 - At this point, take a punch and center it on the CV shaft and tap on it with a hammer. This will help loosen the splines. Step 9 - Locate the tie rod where it attaches to the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin from the nut area and remove the nut. Step 10 - Using the ball joint fork, separate the tie rod from the steering knuckle. Step 11 - Now it is time to remove the ball joints. Locate the both the upper and lower ball joints and remove the cotter pin from the nut area. Step 12 - Place a jack under the lower control arm for support and remove the nut from the ball joint. Step 13 - Using the ball joint fork, remove the ball joints. Step 14 - Once the ball joints are removed, the spindle can be removed. Step 15 - At this point, you can remove the axle, with the CV joints attached, from the transaxle.
Installation Instructions Step 1 - Now it is time to replace the axle. Carefully line up and insert the new axle into the transaxle. Step 2 - Reinstall the spindle assembly, hub nut, and ball joints. Tighten them to the manufacturer’s spec and replace the cotter pins. Step 3 - Replace the tie rod end to the steering knuckle and tighten to the manufacturer’s spec. Make sure to replace the cotter pin. Step 4 - Replace brake rotor, brake caliper, and brakes. Step 5 - Replace wheels, lower vehicle, and reconnect the battery. Step 6 - Pump brakes to readjust the brake pads before driving.
Best Practices
Related Car Repair Information
Parts and Supplies Needed to Replace a CV Axle 1 - New CV axle 2 - Protective clothing 3 - Eye protection
Tools Needed to Complete this Job 1 - Floor Jack
2 - Jack stands 3 - Ratchet and sockets 4 - Pliers 5 - Ball joint fork 6 - Hammer 7 - Center punch
Removal Instructions Step 1 - Park the vehicle on a flat firm location making sure the front wheels are pointing straight. Turn the key off so the steering wheel locks. Step 2 - Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Step 3 - Using the floor jack, lift the front of the vehicle and place jack stands in a safe location. Step 4 - Once you have secured the vehicle on the jack stands, remove the front wheel on the side the axle is being replaced and set aside. Step 5 - Unbolt the brake caliper and remove. Using mechanics wire, hang the caliper from under the fender. Do not allow it to hang from brake hose. Step 6 - Remove brake rotor. Step 7 - Next, remove the large nut (usually around 1” or 1/14”) that is holding the hub bearing in place. NOTE: You may have to remove a cotter pin and locking device to access this nut. Step 8 - At this point, take a punch and center it on the CV shaft and tap on it with a hammer. This will help loosen the splines. Step 9 - Locate the tie rod where it attaches to the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin from the nut area and remove the nut. Step 10 - Using the ball joint fork, separate the tie rod from the steering knuckle. Step 11 - Now it is time to remove the ball joints. Locate the both the upper and lower ball joints and remove the cotter pin from the nut area. Step 12 - Place a jack under the lower control arm for support and remove the nut from the ball joint. Step 13 - Using the ball joint fork, remove the ball joints. Step 14 - Once the ball joints are removed, the spindle can be removed. Step 15 - At this point, you can remove the axle, with the CV joints attached, from the transaxle.
Installation Instructions Step 1 - Now it is time to replace the axle. Carefully line up and insert the new axle into the transaxle. Step 2 - Reinstall the spindle assembly, hub nut, and ball joints. Tighten them to the manufacturer’s spec and replace the cotter pins. Step 3 - Replace the tie rod end to the steering knuckle and tighten to the manufacturer’s spec. Make sure to replace the cotter pin. Step 4 - Replace brake rotor, brake caliper, and brakes. Step 5 - Replace wheels, lower vehicle, and reconnect the battery. Step 6 - Pump brakes to readjust the brake pads before driving.
Best Practices
- This is a good time to replace worn ball joints.
- This is a good time to replace worn
tie rods.
- Check brake pads for excessive wear.
- Examine brake rotor for damage.
- Inspect brake caliper for damage.
- Make sure all components are tightened to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
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