What is a CV axle?
Skill level and what to expect
- Floor jack, jack stands, and wheel chocks
- Lug wrench or impact gun
- Socket set (metric), breaker bar, and a torque wrench
- Pry bar, hammer, and slip-joint pliers
- CV axle nut socket (often 32 mm or 36 mm) and an impact wrench if available
- Replacement CV axle (matching your vehicle)
- New axle nut (many cars require a new nut)
- Brake cleaner and rags for cleaning splines
- Anti-seize or CV-joint grease as needed on reassembly
- Optional hub puller or slide hammer for stubborn hubs
- Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses)
Step-by-step replacement
- Secure the car on a level surface, chock the wheels, and lift with a jack; support with jack stands. Remove the wheel.
- Loosen the axle nut while the car is on the ground, then finish removing the wheel and brake components as needed to access the hub.
- Remove the axle nut completely; disconnect the axle from the wheel hub assembly. If there’s a retaining clip or bolts at the hub, remove them.
- Detaching the inner joint from the transmission side: carefully pry or release any clips, and avoid damaging the transmission oil seal.
- Slide the old CV axle out of the hub and transmission. If it’s stubborn, use gentle wiggling or a pry bar, taking care not to damage surrounding parts.
- Inspect the splines, seals, and hub for damage. Compare the new axle with the old one to ensure correct length and spline count.
- Install the new axle by inserting it into the transmission first (ensuring it seats and engages the inner joint), then into the wheel hub. Reinstall any retaining parts as required.
- Tighten the axle nut to the manufacturer’s torque spec. Reassemble the brake components, wheel, and then lower the vehicle.
- Torque the axle nut to spec, recheck fasteners, and perform a cautious test drive to verify there’s no play or abnormal noises before returning to normal driving.
Vehicle-specific considerations
- Inner joint access can vary: some cars require removing the hub or even other components to reach the inner joint.
- ABS sensors or tone rings may need to be unplugged or removed to prevent damage and avoid codes.
- Axle nut and fasteners can differ in size and torque specs; some cars use a one-time-use nut that must be replaced.
- Different transmissions (manual vs. automatic) and boot designs affect how the axle is removed and installed.
- Some axles are sold pre-assembled with inner joints; others require disassembly or re-greasing during installation.