How To Remove and Install the CV Shaft

	Before I got into doing it myself, I would go to local repair shop for the smallest thing. Whether it was my brakes, oil changes or revamping my alternator, when they saw me coming they were like, “Here comes the easy money!” Not anymore. That’s why this month we’re going to show you another job that’ll save you time and money; we’re going to be removing and installing a CV shaft. Now if this sounds intimidating, it’s not. All you need are a few tools, some grease, and a couple of hours on the weekend. If you need them you can get free instructions from Mitchell on Demand at your local PartSource store. If you find yourself in a jam, talk to the Parts Pros. Those guys are always happy to help. Let’s go.
	A Few Things Before You Begin
	Depending on what type of vehicle you’re working on, you might have to move a few things around. Tie rods, control arms, or speedometer drive gears are the usual suspects. Ask your PartsPro for your vehicle instructions. Or get them FREE from Mitchell on Demand.
	Make Safety Your Top Priority
	Every vehicle is different, so when it comes to maintenance and repairs, always follow the vehicle's owner's manual. Make sure you’ve got all your tools and supplies before you begin – the last thing you want to do is go shopping when you’ve got the car on the jack. Safety should be your number one priority, so don’t smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or wear a necktie. And watch out for hot objects, sharp instruments, hazardous materials and other potential safety hazards in and around your workspace. Always wear your safety glasses, a dust mask and latex gloves. Don’t work with a flat when it calls for Philips. Substituting tools can compromise your safety or a vehicle’s performance. And finally, when the fun turns to frustration or if the job requires specialized knowledge beyond your abilities, please do not attempt it yourself. Talk to a Parts Pro or seek the assistance of a professional mechanic or installer. The last thing we want is someone getting hurt.

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Getting Started
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Removing the CV Shaft

Remove the wheel cover.

Now remove the center dust hub cover, the hub nut cotter pin, the space washer, and the lock nut while the tires are still on the ground.

Loosen the lug nuts.

Raise and support the vehicle with jack stands.

REMEMBER: Apply the parking brake and place a block behind the rear wheels. You wouldn’t want the vehicle to roll down the driveway or something.

Now remove the tire.

Disconnect the stabilizer bar from the suspension arm – you want to have enough wiggle so you can separate the ball joint.

Pry the ball joint out of the steering knuckle. Once she’s out, swing the steering knuckle away from the transaxle.

Pull the CV axle out of the transaxle. If you have to, use a pry bar to free the axle, just don’t go to town with it.

There. The CV axle should be out by now.

Installing the CV Shaft

If your vehicle uses circlips on the CV axle make sure you put the new circlip on the inner CV axle shaft groove (you should have got one with purchase).

Put a nice dollop of multi purpose grease on the splines of each end of the CV axle shaft.

Line up the inner end of the shaft in the transaxle, then push the axle in until she’s seated flush.

Swing the steering knuckle out and position the outer end of the CV axle shaft in the hub.

Reattach the ball joint to the steering knuckle.

There you have it. If you had to move the tie rods, control arms, or speedometer drive gears out of the way, put them back win their original position. If you get stuck, visit your local PartSource for free print out instructions from Mitchell on Demand.