Do-It-Yourself CV Joint Axle Replacement
2008-08-20

       A CV joint, or constant velocity joint, is part of a drive shaft, the shaft that attaches to a car's transmission at one end and the wheel at the other. The main function of your CV joint is to transfer the torque at a uniform speed to the wheels to facilitate free suspension motions in resisting spring actions. Found in all front-wheel drives, it is attached to both drive shaft ends packed with grease and protectively covered by the rubber or plastic boot. The practical applications of the part allows a spinning shaft to transmit power at a constant rotational speed with minimum friction that enables your vehicle to follow the course of your driving style with excellent engine response and lighter handling.

       CV joints are designed to be able to bend in any direction while continuing to turn the drive wheels at a constant velocity. CV joints are primarily used in the drive shafts of front wheel drive cars. Certain types of CV joints are employed on the drive shafts of modern cars which includes ball-type and tripod-type. A number of variations for ball-type joints are used at the inboard end where the shaft moves up or down due to suspension movements. The tripod-type is used at the outboard end of the drive shaft secured in place by a circlip. Transmission joints are very strong and usually require minimum maintenance which is limited to visual inspection. Once the CV boot wears or gets ripped, you must opt for a new boot kit to protect your CV joint. Leaving the part with worn boot results to grease leaks and induced corrosion.  

      The secret to extend the part’s life efficiency lies in packing it with enough proper greasing to effectively flush away contaminants. It may only incur failures due to wear and partial seizure with prolonged usage. Wear in the outer joint is noticeable with increased vibrations at certain speeds. These vibrations are similarly felt when you have unbalanced wheel. Strange pattering sensations through the suspension is the tell tale signs of having partial seizure. This case is usually caused by the joint overheating which results to splitting of outer joint gaiter which also throws out grease .

        Opting for immediate replacement for worn boots is essential to keep your CV joints rust free and set for miles and miles of reliable service. Prolonging the use of worn boots results to CV failure due to lack of lubrication and corrosion. In case your vehicle’s existing CV joint goes bad, you can change it all by yourself. In this, I will tell you some easy operations, for example: CV Joint Axle Replacement

Step 1 - This is a rear drive vehicle with two CV axles. Start by disconnecting the battery, jacking up the vehicle, and allowing some penetrating oil to soak into any retaining bolts. 

Step 2 -Â In this case, suspension disassembly was not required. Moving brake lines and other obstacles out of the way of wrenches is a good bet before beginning. 

Step 3 - Loosening but not removing the strut top mounts and sway bar end link bushings can provide a bit more suspension travel for easier axle removal. 

Step 4 - Loosen and remove the wheel side axle mounting bolts. 

Step 5 - Separate the axle from the wheel. Do not allow the axle to hang from the transmission or differential. Oil seals could be damaged. 

Step 6 - Gently pull, pry, or otherwise liberate the axle from the transmission or differential. Do not bend axle seals. Be careful not to tear the transmission or differential oil seals. 

Step 7 - The axle splines on the right show damage. Note the c-clip on both axles. 

Step 8 - Don't forget to transfer any axle seals, ABS rings, or other parts to the replacement axles. 

Step 9 - Guide the replacement axle into place. Depending on the type of retainer, the axle should click firmly in place. 

Step 10 - Always use the proper torque on the axle bolts. Check axle rotation. Reassemble dismantled components.