drivetrain
CV Axle - Rear
for 2000 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10 · RWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
2.4 h
Tools
12
Steps
15
✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.
Complete procedure for removing and replacing a rear CV axle assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including suspension disassembly, axle removal from differential, and installation with proper torque specifications.
Warnings
⚠️Vehicle must be supported on jack stands rated for the weight. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
⚠Differential fluid will drain when the axle is removed. Have a catch pan ready and expect fluid loss requiring a complete refill.
⚠The axle nut requires significant torque (180 lb-ft). Break it loose before raising the vehicle to prevent wheel rotation.
ℹ️This procedure covers one side. Repeat for opposite side if both axles require replacement.
Tools required
Floor jackEssential
Jack stands (minimum 3-ton capacity)Essential
Torque wrench (30-250 lb-ft range)Essential
Breaker barEssential
1/2" drive socket setEssential
Pry barEssential
Catch pan for differential fluidEssential
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Parts
- Rear CV axle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification for correct length and spline count
- Differential cover gasket or RTV sealant × 1 — Mopar OEM gasket or high-temp RTV
- New axle nut × 1 — Use OEM - single-use prevailing torque nut
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Fluids
- 75W-90 GL-5 with limited-slip additive — 3.5 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
- Loosen (but do not remove) the rear wheel lug nuts on the side being serviced while vehicle is on the ground.
- Loosen the rear axle nut while vehicle is on the ground using a breaker bar. This nut is very tight and requires the wheel to be stationary.
- Raise the rear of the vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed under the frame rails.
- Remove the wheel and tire assembly completely.
- Position a catch pan under the differential to collect fluid during axle removal.
Procedure
- 1Remove axle nutRemove the rear axle nut completely from the CV axle stub shaft. This nut was loosened during preparation while the vehicle was on the ground. Remove and discard the nut as it is a single-use prevailing torque design.
- 2Disconnect lower ball jointRemove the lower ball joint nut securing the lower control arm to the rear knuckle. Use a pickle fork or ball joint separator to disconnect the ball joint taper from the knuckle. Do not damage the ball joint boot if reusing components.Torque specBall Joint Nut102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
- 3Support suspensionPlace a floor jack under the lower control arm to support the suspension assembly. This prevents the suspension from dropping excessively and allows controlled movement during axle removal.
- 4Remove CV joint to differential boltsLocate the inboard CV joint where it connects to the differential flange. Remove the 4 bolts securing the CV joint to the differential output flange. These bolts may be accessed by rotating the axle to bring each bolt into the working position.Torque specCV Joint Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
- 5Separate inboard CV joint from differentialWith the bolts removed, carefully separate the inboard CV joint from the differential output flange. Support the axle to prevent it from hanging by the outer CV joint. Note that a flange-mounted inboard joint typically does not release differential fluid; verify against the FSM whether any fluid loss should be expected. Support the axle to prevent it from hanging by the outer CV joint.
- 6Remove axle from hubPull the hub assembly outward while extracting the outer CV axle shaft from the wheel hub splines. The axle should slide out of the hub bearing. If the axle is stuck, use a brass drift and dead blow hammer to tap the end of the axle shaft from the inboard side to push it out through the hub. Do not damage the CV boots during removal.
- 7Remove CV axle assemblyCarefully maneuver the entire CV axle assembly out from between the suspension components and chassis. The axle may need to be angled and rotated to clear the control arms and frame members during removal.
- 8Clean mating surfacesClean the differential output flange mounting surface with a wire brush and clean rag. Remove any old gasket material, debris, or corrosion. Clean the hub splines and inspect for damage. Clean the CV joint bolt holes and threads.
- 9Install new CV axle assemblyManeuver the new CV axle assembly into position, routing it through the suspension and chassis clearances. Insert the outer CV joint shaft into the wheel hub splines first, pushing it fully into the hub bearing. Ensure the shaft is fully seated in the hub.
- 10Connect inboard CV joint to differentialAlign the inboard CV joint flange with the differential output flange. Install the 4 bolts finger-tight, rotating the axle as needed to access each bolt hole. Once all bolts are started, torque the bolts in a cross pattern to specification.Torque specCV Joint Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
- 11Reconnect lower ball jointRaise the lower control arm using the floor jack to align the ball joint stud with the knuckle. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle and install the ball joint nut. Torque to specification. Ensure the ball joint taper is fully seated.Torque specBall Joint Nut102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
- 12Install new axle nutInstall the new axle nut onto the CV axle stub shaft. Thread it on by hand as far as possible. Do not torque at this time - the wheel must be installed and the vehicle lowered to torque this nut properly to prevent hub rotation.
- 13Reinstall wheel and lower vehicleReinstall the wheel and tire assembly. Thread the lug nuts on finger-tight. Lower the vehicle until the tire contacts the ground but the full weight is not yet on the suspension. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
- 14Torque axle nutWith the vehicle still partially supported and the wheel on the ground to prevent rotation, torque the axle nut to 180 lb-ft. Apply full torque in one continuous motion. The wheel contact prevents hub rotation during final tightening.⚠This is a high-torque fastener. Ensure the torque wrench is properly calibrated and the wheel is firmly on the ground to prevent rotation.Torque specAxle Nut244 Nm (180 lb-ft)
- 15Refill differentialLower the vehicle completely. Locate the differential fill plug on the rear axle housing. Remove the fill plug and add the FSM-specified quantity of 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil with limited-slip additive, filling until oil reaches the bottom of the fill plug hole. Fill until oil reaches the bottom of the fill plug hole. Reinstall and tighten the fill plug.
Reassembly
- Reassembly is covered in the installation steps above, following the reverse order of disassembly.
- Always use a new axle nut as the original is a single-use prevailing torque design.
- Differential fluid must be refilled with the correct limited-slip additive to prevent clutch chatter and damage.
- Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification before test driving.
Verification
- Check for differential fluid leaks around the inboard CV joint connection after refilling.
- Test drive the vehicle and listen for clicking, popping, or grinding noises from the axle during acceleration and turning.
- Verify no vibration is present at highway speeds, which could indicate improper installation or imbalanced components.
- Recheck the axle nut torque after the first 50-100 miles of driving.
- Monitor differential fluid level after several days of driving to ensure no leakage has occurred.