CV Axle - Front

Remove and replace the front CV axle assembly on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, including disconnection from the transmission and wheel hub.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• CV axle assembly (side specific) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (new) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint nut (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle is on level ground and powered OFF with parking brake engaged
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen the front axle nut while vehicle is still on the ground (do not remove)
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
5. Raise and safely support the vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Remove the front wheel on the side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   With the vehicle raised and wheel removed, completely remove the previously loosened 32mm axle nut from the hub. Discard the old nut as it must not be reused.
2. 2

   Disconnect ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the ball joint pinch bolt or ball joint nut securing the lower control arm to the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint separator tool to separate the ball joint from the knuckle if necessary. Note which fastener type your vehicle has.
   ⚠Support the lower control arm to prevent it from dropping suddenly when separated.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Pinch Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

   Ball Joint Nut102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Free hub from CV axle splines
   Push the hub/knuckle assembly outward away from the vehicle. If the CV axle is stuck in the hub splines, tap the end of the axle shaft with a soft mallet or use a puller to press it out. Do not allow the axle to hang unsupported.
4. 4

   Position drain pan
   Place a drain pan under the transmission where the CV axle enters. A small amount of transmission fluid may drain when the axle is removed.
5. 5

   Remove CV axle from transmission
   Insert a pry bar between the inner CV joint housing and the transmission case. Carefully pry the axle out of the transmission, working around the circumference if needed. Pull the axle straight out to avoid damaging the transmission seal. Remove the axle from the vehicle.
   ⚠Do not pry against the transmission case excessively or you may damage the sealing surface.
6. 6

   Inspect transmission seal and hub
   Inspect the transmission output seal for damage or leaking. Check the hub splines for wear or damage. Clean the hub splines with a wire brush if necessary. Replace the transmission seal if damaged.
7. 7

   Install new CV axle into transmission
   Lubricate the transmission seal and splines of the new CV axle with a small amount of transmission fluid. Align the inner CV joint splines with the transmission output shaft and push firmly until the circlip seats with an audible click. Tug on the axle to verify it is fully engaged.
   ℹ️The axle must fully seat with the internal circlip engaged. If it does not click into place, the axle may come out during operation.
8. 8

   Install outer CV joint into hub
   Guide the outer CV joint splines into the wheel hub. Push the hub/knuckle assembly inward toward the vehicle to engage the splines. Apply anti-seize to the axle threads if desired.
9. 9

   Reconnect ball joint
   Position the lower control arm ball joint into the steering knuckle. Install the appropriate fastener (pinch bolt or castle nut) and tighten to specification.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Pinch Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

   Ball Joint Nut102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new axle nut
    Install a NEW 32mm axle nut onto the CV axle shaft. Do not fully torque at this time.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent hub rotation.
12. 12

    Torque axle nut and stake
    With the vehicle weight on the ground and brakes applied (or have an assistant hold the brake pedal), torque the axle nut to specification. After torquing, use a punch and hammer to stake the nut into the groove on the axle shaft to prevent loosening.
    ⚠Staking the nut is critical to prevent it from loosening. Ensure the nut collar is properly deformed into the axle groove.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut244 Nm (180 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify the axle nut is properly staked and will not loosen
2. Check transmission fluid level and top off if necessary with ACDelco Dexron VI ATF
3. Inspect for any transmission fluid leaks around the axle seal

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify no warning lights are illuminated
• Test drive the vehicle and listen for clicking, popping, or vibration from the CV axle area
• Verify smooth operation during turning and acceleration
• Recheck axle nut torque and staking after test drive
• Inspect for transmission fluid leaks after test drive

More procedures for this vehicle