How To Remove CV Joint From Axle?

CV joints are essential for the smooth functioning of cars. 

Although they last long without any maintenance, they can wear out once the protective boots get damaged.

Recently while returning from work, my husband noticed clicking and popping noises from the vehicle. As a car enthusiast, he knew something was wrong with the car. On reaching home, he took the car to the garage and began investigating what the problem was. 

Soon, he noticed black grease leaking onto the interior of the wheels. Then and there, he understood it was time to replace the CV joints. Let alone the price of the CV joint, even having it removed from the axle could cost a great deal of money. 

Thus, he decided to do it himself. Being keenly interested to know how CV joints are removed from the axle, I decided to lend a helping hand to him. Only then did I learn the DIY techniques to remove the CV joint from the axle. Thus, I decided to put together a guide for my readers.

Howdy! I’m Stacy Smith, and today I’ll be sharing with you the techniques of how to remove CV joint from axle. 

Let’s dive straight away into the deets!

How To Remove CV Joint From Axle?

What Is A CV Joint?

If you’re a newbie, let me give you brief information on what CV joints are. Constant-Velocity joint, also known as CV joint, facilitates the turning of the wheels of your car at a constant speed while varying the angle of rotation. Also, it enables the driveshaft to transfer power without causing any significant friction. 

Traditionally, CV joints were only used in the front wheels; however, you’ll find them on the rear wheels of all modern vehicles. A rubber boot and a grease-filled CV gaiter - that’s what a CV joint consists of. 

Removing CV Joint From Axle

If you’re wondering what can crack the rubber boots, then let me tell you that anything can lead to cracks and fractures on the boots. Your car is your best friend through all road adventures. Rocky or uneven paths, stones, hard-packed snow, anything can damage the rubber boots, thereby damaging the CV joints. 

To make things easy for you, I’ve listed the steps to remove the CV joint from the axle. Let’s take a look.

Step 1: Unloose The Axle Nut

First off, you need to unloose the axle nut. To do this, you need to lift the car. But, I suggest loosening the axle nut while the car is still on the ground. As such, this helps you to overcome the first friction that prevents the wheels from turning freely. 

To begin with, you’ll have to remove the hubcap. However, in some vehicles, you can detach the cap in the middle of the wheel. Not only that, but there are split pins on the axle nuts that secure it, which can be unfastened with pliers. 

Next is the axle nut, which requires a lot of torque, which is why I recommend jacking up the car while unloosening it. 

Step 2: Uplift The Vehicle

Next, you will have to uplift the vehicle. But, before that, apply the parking brakes. You must lift your car high enough to position the jack stand. Then, carefully place the vehicle back onto the jack stand. 

After the axle nut is unloosened, you can detach it smoothly with little torque. Also, remember to unfasten the wheel nuts in the manner in which you change tires, and the wheel will snap off without any difficulty. 

Step 3: Unfasten The Brake Caliper

After you pull out the wheel, you’ll have to remove the brake caliper. Brake calipers are large coverings fastened to the exteriors of the rotor. Of course, these are secured to the rotor by bolts. 

To unfasten the brake caliper, you’ll have to unfasten the bolts of the mounting bracket. However, if you own a McPhearson strut-equipped car, you can skip this step. But, for all other cars, it is mandatory to follow this step. 

Step 4: Disconnect The Tie Rod

After the rotor comes the tie rod, which is fastened securely to the steering knuckle. Mostly split pins are used, and so a needle nose plier might be helpful. However, if it is snug-tight, using lubricants is the best option. 

Then, strike the threaded end using a wooden mallet. Although you’ll have to strike slightly harder if it’s stuck tightly, I recommend being careful to avoid damaging the threads. 

Step 5: Disconnect The Strut Tower

Next, there will be 2 additional 17mm bolts that link the wheel hub to the strut bar. Remove them. Also, keep in mind that the heads of these bolts need to be tightened first, otherwise, they’ll keep rolling and will not unloosen. 

Step 6: Loosen The CV Joint

After unfastening the bolts, you can easily detach the hub linked by the axle through the center hole. By just unfastening the two bolts, the whole fixture comes off with little pressure. 

Also, one of the tricks I’ve learned from my husband is to use a draft chisel and a hammer to strike the end of the CV joints, which will make it free. 

Step 7: Removing The CV Joints

Get handy a prying tool that will help you to remove the CV joints smoothly. Also, you can use flat screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, or even metal snips. Now, cut the boots, and you’re done!

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