How to Replace a CV Axle in a 2007 Jetta

Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake. Remove the center cap off of the wheel to be serviced by placing a flat-head screwdriver into the edge slot and prying outward. Instruct a helper to enter the vehicle and apply the brakes. Loosen the axle bolt a total of 90 degrees with a 24 mm socket and a breaker bar. Loosen the wheel bolts with a lug wrench. Instruct the helper to exit the vehicle.

Lift the front of the vehicle off the ground and place jack stands under the front sub-frame rails. Lower the vehicle until it rests securely on the jack stands. Remove the wheel bolts. Remove the wheel and tire from the vehicle and set it aside. Instruct the helper to enter the vehicle and apply the brakes. Remove the axle bolt with a 24 mm socket and breaker bar. Instruct the helper to exit the vehicle.

Remove the three nuts securing the lower ball joint to the lower control arm with a socket and ratchet. Place a pry bar between the lower control arm and the steering knuckle. Apply downward pressure on the pry bar and pull the knuckle towards the outside of the vehicle. Grab the outboard axle tripod and pull it out of the wheel hub.

Position yourself under the vehicle in view of the axle shaft where it enters the transmission. Place a pry bar between the axle shaft inboard joint and the transmission housing. Pry the axle shaft out of the transmission. Tap the handle of the pry bar with a hammer to help separate the axle from the transmission, if necessary. Remove the axle shaft from under the vehicle.

Compare the new and faulty axle to ensure the new axle is the same exact length and each end has the same number of splines. Lay out several shop rags on the lower control arm. Lay down under the front of the vehicle and slide the wheel hub end of the axle through the opening in the inner fender; rest the outboard most joint of the axle on the lower control arm. Line up the axle splines with the splines of the transmission and slide the axle shaft into the transmission with moderate force. Pull on the inboard joint; the shaft will not separate from the transmission if properly seated.

Inspect the axle seal on the transmission for any wear or damage and replace as necessary. Line up the splines of the axle shaft with the wheel hub splines and slide the axle into the wheel hub as far as possible by hand. Inspect the lower ball joint boot for any damage and replace the ball joint as necessary. Pry down on the lower control arm and position the lower ball joint studs through the holes in the control arm. Install the lower ball joint nuts and tighten to 44 foot-pounds.

Install a new hex head or 12 point axle bolt, respectively, through the wheel hub and axle. Instruct a helper to sit in the vehicle and apply the brakes. Tighten the hex head axle bolt to 148 Foot-pounds or the 12 point axle bolt to 52 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Tighten the hex head bolt an additional 180 degrees or the 12 point bolt an additional 90 degrees with a breaker bar and 24 mm socket. Instruct the helper to exit the vehicle.

Place the wheel and tire on the wheel hub. Install the wheel bolts hand tight. Lift the front of the vehicle off the jack stands and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the wheel bolts in a criss-cross pattern to 88.5 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Position the center cap on the wheel and tap around the edges to secure it in place.

Drive the vehicle to a local repair shop and have the front end checked and aligned as necessary.