Remove and replace the outer CV boot on the front axle half-shaft to prevent contamination and damage to the CV joint.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer CV boot kit (includes boot, clamps, and grease) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front axle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin (if applicable to specific production) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Power off vehicle completely and remove key fob from interior
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts on affected side while vehicle is on ground
4. Loosen (but do not remove) the front axle nut while vehicle is on ground and brake applied
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Remove wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   Completely remove the previously loosened front axle nut. If equipped with a cotter pin, remove and discard it first. The axle nut should be discarded and replaced with a new one during reassembly.
2. 2

   Separate outer CV joint from wheel hub
   Push the axle shaft inward through the hub bearing to free the splined connection. If the shaft is stuck, use a brass drift and soft hammer to tap the end of the shaft while pulling the hub assembly outward. Be careful not to damage the ABS sensor or wheel speed sensor during this process.
   ⚠Do not strike the axle shaft with a steel hammer as this can damage the threads or CV joint.
3. 3

   Remove outer CV boot clamps
   Using wire cutters or side cutters, cut and remove both the large and small retaining clamps securing the outer CV boot. Discard old clamps. Slide the old boot away from the CV joint toward the center of the axle to expose the outer CV joint.
4. 4

   Clean and inspect outer CV joint
   Wipe away old grease from the CV joint housing and components using clean rags. Inspect the CV joint balls, cage, and races for wear, pitting, or damage. If any damage is found, the entire CV joint assembly should be replaced rather than just the boot. Clean thoroughly with solvent to remove all old grease and contaminants.
   ℹ️If the CV joint shows any signs of damage or excessive wear, replace the entire half-shaft assembly. Installing a new boot on a damaged joint will result in premature failure.
5. 5

   Remove old boot from shaft
   Slide the old outer CV boot completely off the axle shaft toward the inboard side. Check the axle shaft for damage, corrosion, or scoring where the boot seals. Clean the shaft thoroughly in the boot mounting areas.
6. 6

   Install new boot and clamps onto shaft
   Slide the new small clamp onto the axle shaft first, followed by the new CV boot (small end first), then the new large clamp. Position the boot temporarily away from the CV joint area to allow access for grease packing.
7. 7

   Pack CV joint with grease
   Using the grease supplied in the CV boot kit, pack the CV joint completely. Work grease into all ball races and the cage. Use all of the grease provided in the kit—typically the joint itself gets approximately half and the remaining half goes inside the boot. Ensure complete coverage of all internal components.
   ⚠Only use the grease supplied with the CV boot kit. Do not substitute with standard chassis grease as CV joints require specific molybdenum disulfide grease formulations.
8. 8

   Position and secure CV boot
   Slide the new boot over the CV joint housing and position it properly in the grooves on both the axle shaft (small end) and CV joint housing (large end). Ensure the boot is not twisted. Release any trapped air by carefully lifting the edge of the boot. Position the small clamp in the shaft groove and crimp securely using CV boot clamp pliers. Position the large clamp on the CV joint housing groove and crimp securely.
   ℹ️Boot must be properly seated in grooves with no air trapped inside. Trapped air can cause the boot to balloon and tear during operation.
9. 9

   Reinstall axle into hub
   Guide the outer CV joint and axle shaft back through the wheel hub bearing. Ensure the splines align properly and the shaft seats fully into the hub. The shaft should push through until the outer end is flush or slightly protruding for nut installation.
10. 10

    Install new axle nut
    Thread the new axle nut onto the axle shaft by hand as far as possible. Do not torque yet—this will be done with the vehicle on the ground and brakes applied.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Then lower the vehicle completely to the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque axle nut and secure
    With the vehicle on the ground and parking brake applied (or an assistant applying the brake pedal), torque the axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). After torquing, stake the nut or install a new cotter pin as per the specific production variant of your vehicle. Verify the nut is fully secure.
    ⚠Axle nut must be torqued with wheel on ground and brakes applied to prevent hub/bearing damage and ensure accurate torque.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all clamps are properly crimped and boot is seated correctly in all grooves
2. Verify axle nut is torqued to specification and properly staked or pinned
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area

Verification

• Rotate the wheel by hand to ensure smooth operation with no binding or clicking noises
• Visually inspect the CV boot for proper seating, no twists, and secure clamps at both ends
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no vibration, clicking, or unusual noises during turning
• After test drive, re-inspect boot for any signs of grease leakage or clamp movement

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