How to Remove a CV Nut on a Car

When it comes to cars, it seems as if they are always in need of some sort of repair. And after a while, those repairs can be quite costly. That is unless you learn to do it yourself. Here are some tips on how to remove a CV nut (which stands for constant velocity nut) in the process of changing the ball joint for your front wheel drive vehicle.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ratchet wrench
• Cheater pipe
• Oversized socket
• Exposed cv nut

1. Locate the correct size socket that will fit on your CV nut. Most ratchet and socket sets stop before the size you will need for your car or light truck. But before you go spending a pretty penny to get the right size, see if you can get a loaner for just a few bucks. Many auto repair and tool shops have a loaner program for the home mechanic. Also check with your car's dealership for the right size.

2. Place the socket into the arm of the ratchet. Then take your tool and fit it onto the CV nut.

3. Add a cheater pipe to the end of your ratchet. This is merely a pipe that is hollow at one end. By slipping it over the end of the ratchet, you are creating a longer tool. A longer tool means more leverage, which means it will be easy to initially loosen the CV nut.

4. Give the CV nut a pull to the left. One hefty pull should loosen it.

5. Remove the cheater pipe. It is cumbersome to keep the cheater pipe on the ratchet since it is not a snug fit. Continue to ratchet to the left. (Remember righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.)

6. Use your fingers to remove the CV nut once you have adequately loosened it on your car. You are now ready to remove and replace the Ball Joint on your car.

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