How to replace CV joints and front-drive axles
bad CV boot courtesy of Audiworld.com
Constant velocity, or CV, joints, are responsible for protecting the drive axle assembly which shifts power from the transmission to the wheels of front-wheel-drive cars. The most common CV joint problem is cracking in the rubber boots which help keep lubricant inside of the joints. While CV joints can be serviced with special tools, it is often easier to replace the entire drive axle assembly and CV joints, since the drive axle assembly must be removed in order to gain access to the CV joints anyway. New or remanufactured axles come with the CV joints already installed, as well, and are generally specific to certain models of cars.
In addition to visible cracks or tears on the boots, signs of CV joint damage include: a clicking sound while turning, lubricant leakage, sudden deceleration, and vibrations at the front end of the car. Drive axle assemblies are relatively inexpensive, and replacing them is entirely feasible for a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer. To replace the drive axle and CV joints, you will need a spindle-nut socket and tie-rod-end puller, both of which can be found at auto parts stores, in addition to the standard lug wrench, torque wrench, auto jack, jack stands, screwdriver, wire (to hold up the steering knuckle), and a rubber mallet.
Replacing the front-drive axle:
- Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Place blocks behind the rear wheels.
- Using a lug wrench, loosen the lugs on the front wheels, but do not remove.
- Raise the front of the vehicle with a jack, and place on jack stands.
- Remove the lug nuts, and then the front wheels.
- You can now inspect the rubber boots of the CV joints for obvious cracks and tears.
- Now remove the spindle nut. It will be the large nut in the center of the front-drive axle hub, behind where the wheel was. If there are any locking tabs around the nut, use a chisel or screwdriver to remove them, and then use the spindle-nut socket to remove the nut. If you need to, use a large screwdriver to hold the hub around the axle nut in place.
- Separate the lower control arm, located behind the hub, from the damper fork with a wrench.
- Remove the cotter pin, and use the tie-rod-end puller to disconnect the lower control arm ball joint from the steering knuckle. Push the front-drive axle in, and lift the steering knuckle up and swing it outwards, away from the car. Use wire to support the steering knuckle if necessary
- Pry the drive axle outward at the transaxle or differential. You might need to hit the axle with a rubber mallet to loosen it.
- Insert the new axle into the transaxle first, and then into the steering knuckle assembly.
- Reattach the tie rod end and lower control arm ball joint. Use a new cotter pin when putting the lower ball joint back.
- Reinstall the spindle nut, the front wheels, and lug nuts, and lower the vehicle. Make sure to tighten the spindle nut and lug nuts after the vehicle is lowered.
- Test drive your car to make sure that your vehicle is turning, accelerating, and decelerating properly.
—Seth Berger
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