How to Replace a CV Axle ?
The procedure for replacing a CV axle will vary, depending on the year, make, and model of the vehicle.
1. Here are a few signs that your axle shaft needs to be replaced:
- Excessive vibrations during operation
- Loud clicking during turns
- Grease leaking from the CV joint onto the tire
2. What You'll Need
- Breaker bar
- Dead-blow hammer
- Drain pan
- Jack and jack stands
- Large hammer or mallet
- Long-handled diagonal cutting pliers
- Pry bar or CV axle puller
- Ratchet and socket set
- Repair manual or access to a repair database
- Safety glasses
- Screwdrivers
- Torque wrench
- Wheel chocks
- Wrench set
3. Replacing The CV Axle
Note: The following are general guidelines for educational purposes only. Consult your vehicle's factory information for specific repair instructions and recommended safety procedures.
Step1.Make sure the vehicle is in Park or that it is in gear with the parking brake set.
Step2.Jack up the car and remove the wheel on the side where you will be working.
Step3.Locate the axle nut. It will be in the direct center of the hub or wheel assembly where you removed the wheel.
Step4.Some vehicles have a cotter pin to secure the axle nut. You'll need to remove it using pliers to straighten the pin so it can be pulled out. You can spray it with lubricant if it's rusted or stuck.
Step5. Remove the axle nut. In some cases, this step may require quite a bit of effort. If this is the case, your safety bet is to do this step before jacking the car up.
- This is where the optional impact wrench will come in handy. The wrench will help you safely remove the axle nut without having to use a pry bar.
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Step6.Carefully remove the bolts holding the brake caliper brackets in place and remove the calipers.
- Instead of dropping the caliper to dangle on the brake line, use a carabiner or other small hook to support the caliper and keep pressure off the brake line.
Step7.Loosed the bolts holding the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. If there's another pin here, you'll again need to use pliers to straighten it out.
- In some cases, the steering knuckle and tie rod will not want to be separated. This will require a few light taps with a hammer or mallet.
Step8.Remove the bolts holding the hub to the strut tower. You’ll need to keep the nut from turning while unbolting the hub.
Step9.Look further down the axle to see where it meets the transmission. Use your pry bar to pry the axle from the CV joint. You should be able to remove the axle at this point.
- You might see transmission fluid or have some leak while prying the axle. This is completely fine, but you may want to set up a pan or tray to catch the fluid.
Step10.Insert the new axle into the transmission where the old one was removed.
- You can use your mallet or a hammer wrapped in a towel to carefully coax the axle into position.
Step11.Attach the new axle to the hub and begin replacing the bolts you removed earlier in the process:
- Hub/strut tower
- Tie Rod/steering knuckle
- Caliper
Step12.Replace the axle nut. Here, as before, use an impact wrench if you have one to safely tighten the nut. If you don't have one, get the nut as tight as you can without yanking on it while it's up on stands.
Step13.Replace the wheel and lower the vehicle.
- If you need to tighten the axle nut further, it's best to do it with the vehicle on the ground, so that you can really push on a wrench or bar to tighten without worrying about the vehicle falling.
FAQs About CV Axles
Q: Can You Drive With a Bad CV Axle?
A: No. Do not ignore a bad CV axle. The vibrations you're feeling and noise you're hearing are a warning that it's time for maintenance. If your axle fails while you're driving, you could lose control of your car.
Q: How Long Should a CV Axle Last?
A: CV axles are usually covered by the manufacturer's powertrain warranty, which should have you covered for at least four to five years and 50,000 to 60,000 miles. As for whether or not the axle makes it past the warranty period, there are many factors that can impact its lifespan. Driving over rough terrain where there are rocks and debris can shorten the life of a CV axle, because there are more opportunities to damage the rubber boot that protects the moving parts. The same goes for driving in snowy or icy conditions, where salt and sand can also damage the rubber. In some cases, the rubber just dries out and cracks, which has the same effect.
Q: What Does a Bad Axle Sound Like?
A: If you hear a clicking or grinding sound while turning, there's a good chance your CV axle is starting to go. The noise may also be present while accelerating, but it’s most noticeable when turning the steering wheel.
Q: Can The CV Axle Damage My Transmission?
A: Yes, since it’s connected directly to the transmission, a failing CV axle can cause damage. Excessive movement from a damaged axle can wear components inside the transmission more quickly than they would normally.
