CV Axle - Rear

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear CV axle assembly on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 5.3L V8 and rear-wheel drive configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear CV axle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification for side being replaced
• Axle nut (castle nut) × 1 — Use new nut - not reusable
• Cotter pin × 1 — Standard automotive cotter pin

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut and cotter pin
   Remove and discard the cotter pin from the axle castle nut. Use a 36mm socket and breaker bar to remove the axle nut. This nut is torqued to 305 Nm and will require significant force. The nut is not reusable and should be discarded.
2. 2

   Disconnect brake components if necessary
   If the brake caliper or ABS sensor wire interfere with CV axle removal, disconnect or support them out of the way. Do not allow the brake caliper to hang by the brake hose. Use a wire or bungee cord to support it from the suspension or frame.
3. 3

   Separate lower ball joint
   Remove the lower ball joint castle nut using an 18mm socket. Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to separate the lower ball joint from the knuckle. Apply pressure with the tool and tap with a hammer if necessary. Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot if reusing the control arm.
4. 4

   Remove CV joint bolts at differential
   Locate the CV joint flange where it connects to the differential output flange. Use a 15mm socket to remove all CV joint bolts. There are typically 6 bolts securing the CV joint to the differential. Support the outer end of the axle to prevent it from falling.
5. 5

   Remove CV axle assembly
   Carefully pull the outer end of the axle out of the wheel hub. You may need to use a soft hammer to tap the end of the axle stub to break it free from the hub. Once free from the hub, maneuver the entire CV axle assembly away from the differential and remove it from the vehicle. Be prepared for some gear oil to drain from the differential.
   ⚠Have a drain pan positioned to catch any gear oil that may spill from the differential output.
6. 6

   Clean and inspect mounting surfaces
   Clean the differential output flange and wheel hub splines with a wire brush. Remove any rust, debris, or old sealant. Inspect the hub bearing for excessive play or noise. Check the differential output seal for leaks or damage. Replace the seal if any leakage is evident.
7. 7

   Install new CV axle assembly
   Insert the inner CV joint onto the differential output flange, aligning the bolt holes. Insert the outer axle stub into the wheel hub, ensuring the splines engage properly. You may need to rotate the axle slightly to align the splines. Push firmly until the axle is fully seated in the hub.
8. 8

   Install CV joint bolts
   Install all CV joint bolts at the differential flange. Thread them in by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Torque the CV joint bolts in a star pattern to 76 Nm (56 lb-ft) to ensure even clamping force on the flange.
   Torque spec

   CV Joint Bolts76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect lower ball joint
   Position the lower control arm ball joint stud into the steering knuckle. Install the ball joint castle nut and torque to 127 Nm (94 lb-ft). Align the castle nut slots with the cotter pin hole in the ball joint stud. If necessary, tighten the nut slightly (never loosen) to align the slots. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install and stake new axle nut
    Install the new axle castle nut onto the axle stub. Torque the nut to 305 Nm (225 lb-ft). After torquing, use a center punch and hammer to stake the nut by driving the collar of the nut into the groove on the axle stub. This prevents the nut from loosening. Verify the nut is properly staked by checking that the collar is deformed into the axle groove.
    ℹ️The axle nut must be staked after torquing to prevent loosening. This is a critical safety step.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut305 Nm (225 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and thread the lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (still supported by jack). Torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to 169 Nm (125 lb-ft). Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect any brake components or ABS sensors that were moved during the procedure
2. Check rear differential fluid level and top off with ACDelco 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil if necessary

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no clicking, popping, or vibration from the rear axle
• Check for any gear oil leaks around the differential output seal
• Verify the axle nut is properly staked and secure
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

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