Things You'll Need:
- Prybar
- Set of 1/2-inch metric sockets
- Set of 3/8-inch metric sockets
- Ratchet
- 1/2-inch air gun
- 3/8-inch air gun
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Step 1
Jack the front of the car up and support it with jack stands. Remove the front wheels. Turn the ignition key just enough to unlock the steering wheel. Remove the cotter pin and large axle nut retainer in the center of the rotor.
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Step 2
Remove the two large bolts and nuts attaching the strut to the spindle. Push in on the CV axle where it protrudes through the center of the rotor and make sure it is loose enough to push out. If it is difficult to push, put the axle nut on upside down and for just five or six threads and tap with a hammer to loosen the CV axle so that it comes out of the hub.
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Step 3
Turn the steering wheel outward--if you are working on the driver's side or left side, turn the wheel to the left. This will give you sufficient room to remove the axle. The other side should be done in the same manner, but turned to the right.
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Step 4
Put a drip pan under the CV joint at the point it enters the transmission in case there is any fluid loss. Remove the axle nut (if you had to put it on to loosen the axle) and grab the extension of the spindle above the rotor. Pull it down and toward you as you grab the CV axle and withdraw it from the hub.
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Step 5
Place the head of a prybar or large screwdriver between the transmission and the CV joint. With a quick snap of the tool separate the CV joint from the transmission. There is a small circlip on the end of the CV joint that keeps it in place. Prying it with a quick snap will overcome the friction of the circlip and the CV joint will pop out.
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Step 6
Install the new CV axle by inserting the axle end in first. It will go in as far as the circlip. Back it out ever so slightly (about 1/2 an inch) and sharply shove it in past the circlip. Grab the spindle at the extension above the rotor with the holes for the strut and while pulling down and toward you push the outer end of the CV joint into the rotor. To do this easily, bend the CV joint toward the hole in the rotor and push into the hole while rotating the rotor to line up the splines.
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Step 7
Install the retaining nut finger tight. While lifting up on the hub and rotor assembly, push the top of the spindle with the holes in it into the strut and insert the bolts and nuts. Tighten them securely. Torque the large retaining nut to 200 foot pounds. Repeat the same procedure to the other side. Reinstall wheels and let the car off the jacks.
