How to replace CV joint [AUTODOC TUTORIAL]

How to change CV joint on a car – replacement tutorial

Required Tools:

                      Flat screwdriver
                    
                      Tap wrench
                    
                      Wheel impact socket
                    
                      Impact socket
                    
                      CV joint puller

                      Circlip pliers
                    
                      Jack
                    
                      Line stoppers

Buy tools

Please note!

CV joint stands for constant velocity joint
It transmits torque from the differential to the wheel via the CV axle shaft
Each axle shaft has two CV joints
One on the wheel end of the shaft and one on the other end, at the gearbox or final drive
Symptoms of a bad CV joint include play or a clicking noise when pulling away or manoeuvering

1.

The fasteners should be loosened while all wheels of the car are on the ground

Please note!
The outer CV joint is usually a ball-type jointIt provides effective torque transmission at large articulation angles and compensates for suspension travel
2.

To remove the outer CV joint, you do not need to remove the CV axle, you can just detach it from the wheel hub. As a rule, the CV axle is secured in the hub with a bolt or nut. A cotter pin is also used in some car models
3.

Make sure that the CV axle has enough longitudinal travel to allow you to get the CV joint out
4.

Knock the CV joint out of the hub by hitting its centre hole
5.

Detach the CV joint from the steering knuckle or hub. To do this, you might need to remove the ball joint or detach the steering knuckle from the suspension strut
6.

Then remove the dust boot clamps

AUTODOC recommends:
To pull this type of CV joint off the axle shaft, you can use the axle bolt
7.

Remove the clamps, pry off the dust boot and make sure it is not stuck to the axle shaft

Important!
The internal components of the CV joint are sealed with a leak-tight dust bootIt keeps the grease inside and protects the assembly against harmful environmental influences
8.

Inspect the splines on the axle shaft. Worn splines can cause play in the joint

Please note!
To disassemble this type of CV joint, you will need special tools
9.

Remove the dust boot clamps
10.

Use a puller and the axle nut to remove the CV joint from the axle shaft
11.

Remove the dust boot, thrust washer and plastic bushing that limits the articulation angle of the CV joint

The following signs indicate that the CV joint needs to be replaced:
a worn inner racedull spots on the surfaces of the ballsa worn or corroded cageworn or corroded grooves in the housing
12.

Lubricate the new CV joint if there is no factory grease inside it

AUTODOC experts recommend:
Please note that the lubricants for the inner and outer CV joints have different compositions
13.

Apply most of the grease to the inside of the CV joint
14.

Tilt the joint in different directions to distribute the lubricant evenly
15.

Degrease the CV boot’s mounting seat on the axle shaft
16.

Slide the dust boot further along the shaft, away from its mounting seat so that it does not get in the way while you are assembling the CV joint
17.

Install the circlip
18.

Place the CV joint on the end of the axle shaft
19.

Make sure that the CV joint and the axle shaft are aligned
20.

Apply force to the joint’s housing using an extended driver
21.

Or hit the centre hole using a punch
22.

Continue doing so until the circlip is in the correct position

Please note!
When correctly seated, a small amount of axial play in the joint is acceptable
23.

Apply the remaining grease to the CV joint
24.

Prevent the grease from getting on the dust boot's mounting seat, otherwise the boot will not be secure
25.

Carefully install the dust boot on its mounting seat
26.

Check that it fits tightly around the CV joint housing

Caution!
The dust boot should not rotate
27.

Make sure that the clamps are positioned correctly and properly aligned
28.

To avoid damaging the dust boot, do not overtighten the clamps

Please note!
In most cases, you may need a special tool to tighten the clamps
29.

Check that the dust boot is seated properly
30.

Turn the boot inside out to avoid smearing it with grease when installing the CV joint
31.

To install a different type of CV joint, proceed as follows: Fit the thrust washer and plastic bushing
32.

Install the circlip
33.

Adjust the position of the circlip so that it can be compressed by the internal part of the joint when you apply force to it
34.

Align the splines and place the CV joint on the end of the axle shaft
35.

Push the CV joint till it gets past the circlip and install the joint
36.

To avoid damage, never hit the splines
37.

Apply force to the housing via a sleeve or driver
38.

Make sure that no grease has got on the dust boot’s mounting seat and degrease it if necessary
39.

Put on the dust boot carefully
40.

Check that the clamps and boots are positioned correctly

Please note!
The inner CV joint is designed as a tripod with rollers that have a bearing insideThe rollers move back and forth along the grooves inside the housingThis compensates for suspension travel and ensures consistent power transmission
41.

To remove the inner CV joint, it is often necessary to dismount the entire CV axle

Important!
Replacing the inner CV joint, which is inserted into the gearbox or final drive, requires draining the transmission fluidThe inner CV joint can be bolted to a flange on the gearboxAssemblies which have their own splined shaft are inserted directly into the gearbox
42.

Next, remove the axle shaft by evenly applying pressure to the CV joint’s housing using a suitable tool
43.

If the axle shaft has a flange connection, unscrew the CV joint housing fasteners

AUTODOC recommends:
To prevent the CV axle from turning, use an air or electric impact wrench to remove the fastenersIf you do not have one, secure the CV axle with a crowbarYou can also lock it in place with the brake disc
44.

Take off the larger clamp and remove the axle shaft from the inner CV joint housing

Important!
Please note that the tripod is not installed in the housing, but on the axle shaft
45.

Remove the circlip that secures the tripod to the axle shaft

AUTODOC recommends:
To remove the tripod from the axle shaft, you might need to use a puller
46.

Align the recesses inside the dust boot with the rollers on the tripod so that it can be inserted freely into the CV joint housing
47.

Reassemble all the components that you dismounted previously in reverse order
48.

Tighten the fasteners to the manufacturer's recommended torque
49.

If the transmission fluid was drained during the replacement, refill the transmission with a fluid that is suitable for the vehicle
50.

Tighten the fastener that attaches the CV axle to the wheel hub
51.

Install the cotter pin if the car has one

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