Repairing Guides

how to repair cv axle

by Prof. David Ruecker Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How to Fix Your CV Axle

  • Begin by jacking up your vehicle, disconnecting your car battery, and letting the oil lubricate the retaining bolts.
  • If you have a rear drive car, you won’t have to worry about disassembling the suspension system. ...
  • It might be helpful to slightly loosen the sway bar bushings and strut top mounts so you’ll have an easier time disengaging the CV axle.

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Full Answer

How much does it cost to replace a CV axle?

This helps to keep the new CV axle cost lower than it would be otherwise. But even still, you’re going to have to pay a pretty penny to replace the CV axle in your vehicle. On average, it costs car owners somewhere between $900 and $1,200—with between $760 and $1,030 of that going to parts and between $140 and $180 of it going to labor.

When does a CV axle need to be replaced?

Usually, the CV axle will need to be replaced if it is damaged enough to cause vibrations. CV axles serve as the final link between the engine and the wheels. They serve the important function of transferring the torque from the drivetrain to the vehicle’s wheels in order to move the vehicle.

How to remove a CV axle from the transmission?

  • If the axle doesn’t immediately come loose, try twisting it back and force to break the seal.
  • It’s normal for some transmission fluid to leak out as you remove the axle from the cv joint. You should put down a catch pan.
  • On your vehicle, the axle may have to pass through an enclose piece called a wishbone before it’s completely free. ...

How much does it cost to replace CV joints?

$500?

  • driving90. I inherited my 1990 camry v6 from my mom about 10 months ago. ...
  • sampsongrsk. When i did CV joint work to my old vette it literally took me about 20 minutes. ...
  • toyrolla. Also, I've a friend who works at a mechanic shop that his dad runs (not sure if my friends ASE, I know his dad is).
  • Dave's. ...
  • toyrolla. ...
  • toyomoho. ...
  • ycartf. ...
  • white90dx. ...
  • Mike Gerber. ...
  • toyrolla. ...

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Can you repair a CV axle?

While one can repack, reboot and rebuild CV axles, it makes more sense for the average do-it-yourselfer to procure replacement units and swap out the old axles. If a boot is torn or missing, it is possible to save the joint if caught early enough, but usually the damage has already been done.

How do you temporarily fix a CV axle?

3:168:30Emergency CV Boot Repairs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHopefully high temp grease. Anything you can find the more you can get in there the better off you'MoreHopefully high temp grease. Anything you can find the more you can get in there the better off you're gonna be because you've already lost.

Can I fix a CV joint myself?

Most people will take their cars into the shop when it's time for a new CV axle, but it's a job that you can absolutely do yourself with some time, patience, and plenty of elbow grease. Don't be intimidated, but do spend the time to research your own vehicle to make sure you're comfortable with the work.

How much does a CV axle rebuild cost?

The Average Cost for Replacing a CV Axle Is $137 to $672 Depending on if You Go to the Mechanic or DIY. This price range is based on national averages for all vehicles and does not factor in taxes, fees, or your particular make and model.

Can you glue a CV boot?

I reckon your chances of successfully glueing a CV boot after it has been used are approximately nil. You'd never get it clean enough. You can get split boots that are wrapped around the drive shaft and then glued to provide a seal, but these would be new clean boots and with the right adhesive.

How do you seal a torn CV boot?

3:465:09HOW TO REPAIR A TORN OR BUSTED CV AXLE BOOT ...... LIFE ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAfter you've used a guerrilla tape you just want to wrap it around that you can actually do theMoreAfter you've used a guerrilla tape you just want to wrap it around that you can actually do the whole boot and tape if it's whipped. Bad enough that's actually better than this.

What tools do I need to replace CV axles?

Tools and Equipment Needed to Replace a CV AxleBreaker 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.More items...•

What causes a CV axle to break?

Why do CV joints break? The main culprit is shock loading, like when a spinning wheel lifts off the ground and then lands hard; something that can happen fairly often with an independent suspension system because of the usually limited amount of travel.

What does it sound like when your CV joint goes out?

What is this? A worn-out CV joint also makes clunking sounds when shifting from drive to reverse; these sounds are usually deafening when accelerating in turns. You might hear cracks or breaks sound in the rubber or plastic boots around the CV joint. The car can also shudder or shake under heavy acceleration.

Should I replace both CV axles at the same time?

On a high-mileage vehicle with a bad CV joint or boot, it's often a good idea to replace both shafts at the same time. Often, the right (passenger side) shaft fails first because right turns are at a sharper angle than left turns, and right turns are more common than left turns.

Can I drive with a broken CV axle?

A boot seals the CV, and this boot is not resistant to damage. Whenever this happens, the joint will wear out and fail. If you drive a car with a damaged CV, the joint will deteriorate more, making driving impossible. You'll be at risk of getting into an accident.

How do I test my CV axle?

To check for a noisy worn outer CV joint:Put the car in reverse. Then turn the steering wheel all the way to one side and drive backward in a circle. ... If you hear a very pronounced clicking or snapping noise, there's a good chance an outer CV joint is worn out.

How long can I drive with a split CV boot?

There is no real set time how long the bad joint will last, and it may last a year or a month. A YourMechanic technician can travel to your location and help and replace the axle CV joint boot as soon as possible.

What is special about CV joint grease?

CV Joint Grease has excellent water washout resistance where in these applications, provides outstanding protection against rust and corrosion. It is also extremely shear stable for both high and low temperatures and provides protection for intermittent operation up to 200°C.

How to remove CV axle?

Place a pry bar between the transaxle and inboard end of the CV axle. Then use the pry bar to pry the axle from the transaxle. When you do this, you’re unseating the CV axle’s retaining ring so that the axle can be freed.

How to check CV axle?

Make sure the axle is fully seated and flush with the transaxle. Double-check that the axle is seated properly by grasping the portion closest to the transaxle and pulling it outward. The CV axle should remain firmly in place.

How to remove a cotter pin from a ball joint?

There are many ways to do this; one of which is to use a pair of long-handled diagonal cutting pliers. Grip the circular (closed) end of the cotter pin with the pliers. Then pull the pin outward, while pushing the pliers against the ste ering knuckle to gain leverage.

What is CV axle?

In a front-wheel drive layout, the CV axles connect the transaxle to the wheel hubs. Front-wheel drive cars—as well as many four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles—use a pair of CV axles to transfer power to the front drive wheels. In a front-wheel drive layout, the CV axles connect the transaxle to the wheel hubs.

How to free shaft splines from hub?

Use a punch and hammer to tap on the dimpled center of the axle shaft tip, freeing the shaft splines from the hub splines.

How to separate a steering knuckle from a ball joint?

There are multiple ways to separate the two components: Strike the steering knuckle near the ball joint with a large hammer. The ball joint’s stud should eventually pop out if the knuckle is hit hard enough. You can also use a ball joint separator to separate the ball joint from the knuckle.

Why do CV axles need to be replaced?

The axles often require replacement due to issues, such as torn boots and worn joints. There’s a good chance you’ll experience CV axle problems at some point during your driving career. The good news is, if you’re handy and have the proper tools, ...

How to remove hub from strut tower?

Two more 17mm bolts will connect the wheel hub to the strut tower. Once you remove these bolts, the hub should only be connected by the axle through the center hole, and you should easily be able to remove it.

How to jack up a CV axle?

1. Remove the vehicle’s hubcap. Before so much as jacking up the vehicle, you need to remove the axle nut. Start by removing the hubcap for the respective wheel of the CV axle to be replaced. For vehicles with rims, you may simply have a cap at the center of the wheel rather than a hubcap.

What is a wikihow article?

Download Article. X. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback.

How to get a CV joint out of a transmission?

1. Pry the CV joint. Follow the axle back, and you will see the actual joint where it slides into the transmission. You can use a small pry bar or sturdy flathead screwdriver to pry the axle from the joint. If the axle doesn’t immediately come loose, try twisting it back and force to break the seal.

How does wikihow mark an article as reader approved?

wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 82% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.

How to replace CV axle?

Insert the new CV axle into the transmission housing. Just as you removed the old CV axle, insert the new one into the same spot in the transmission housing. The peg will slide all the way in until the axle is flush against the housing.

How long does it take to fix a rusted axle?

If you don't run into problems like a seized axle or joint, it should be done in an hour or less . If you have an issue, like a part that's rusted and fused to the hub (like I recently had), you could spend an entire day just trying to fix it.

What Is a CV Axle and What Is Its Role?

For those who aren’t and haven’t— what’s wrong with you, go now —the engine generates power and the transmission transmits it to the wheels.

What Are The Signs Of a Failing CV Axle?

When this happens, the grease and lubricant that is packed inside can leak out, or dirt and debris from the road can creep their way in.

Why does my CV axle make a clicking noise?

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.

How long does 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.

How to remove a cotter pin?

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.

How to coax a car axle?

You can use your mallet or a hammer wrapped in a towel to carefully coax the axle into position.

How to remove a wheel from a car?

Make sure the vehicle is in Park or that it is in gear with the parking brake set. Jack up the car and remove the wheel on the side where you will be working. Locate the axle nut. It will be in the direct center of the hub or wheel assembly where you removed the wheel .

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