CV Axle - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and installation of the rear CV axle halfshaft on a 2005 Dodge Viper with the 8.3L V10 engine, including hub/bearing disconnect, inner CV joint separation, and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear CV axle halfshaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle hub nut (new, single-use) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• CV joint-to-differential bolts (if reusing, inspect threads) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• 75W-140 synthetic GL-5 rear differential fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts on the side being serviced while the vehicle is on the ground (do not remove).
3. With the vehicle still on the ground and the wheel installed, use a breaker bar and 36mm socket to break loose the staked axle nut. You may need an assistant to apply the brakes or use a pry bar against a wheel stud to prevent rotation.
4. Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack and support securely on jack stands placed at the manufacturer's specified jacking points.
5. Remove the rear wheel completely.
6. Position a drain pan under the differential to catch fluid that will escape when the inner CV joint is disconnected.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Axle Hub Nut
   Using a chisel and hammer, carefully remove the staked portion of the axle nut where it is crimped into the axle shaft groove. Once the stake is cleared, fully remove the axle nut using the correct-size socket (verify size against OEM documentation) and a breaker bar. The nut should already be loose from the preparation step. Set the old nut aside for disposal; it must not be reused.
2. 2

   Disconnect Outer CV Joint from Hub
   The outer CV joint splines are now free to separate from the rear hub bearing. Grasp the CV axle shaft near the outer joint and pull outward firmly to disengage the splines from the hub. If the splines are stuck due to corrosion, use a plastic dead-blow hammer to tap the end of the axle shaft while pulling outward. Do not strike the CV joint boot or housing. Once free, push the axle inboard slightly to create clearance from the hub.
3. 3

   Access Inner CV Joint Fasteners
   Rotate the hub and brake assembly or turn the axle shaft to access the inner CV joint flange bolts. The inner CV joint is bolted to the differential output flange with bolts arranged in a circular pattern (verify exact bolt count against OEM documentation). Clean the bolt heads with a wire brush if necessary to identify the fastener type and size.
4. 4

   Remove Inner CV Joint Flange Bolts
   Using a socket and breaker bar, remove all 6 bolts securing the inner CV joint flange to the differential output flange. Verify whether the inner joint separation opens the differential housing on this platform; on many bolted-flange IRS designs the joint separates externally without draining differential fluid. Have a drain pan ready as a precaution, and confirm fluid-loss expectations against OEM documentation. Support the CV axle to prevent it from falling or binding as the last bolts are removed.
5. 5

   Remove CV Axle Assembly
   With all bolts removed, carefully pull the inner CV joint away from the differential output flange. The joint will separate cleanly once the bolts are removed. Guide the entire CV axle assembly out through the suspension, maneuvering around the control arms, shock absorber, and brake components. Allow remaining differential fluid to drain into the pan. Inspect the axle boots for tears or damage; if replacing due to boot failure, inspect the CV joint grease for contamination.
6. 6

   Clean Mating Surfaces
   Using shop towels and a wire brush, clean the differential output flange and the hub bearing spline bore. Remove any old grease, debris, or corrosion from the hub splines. Inspect the hub bearing for smooth rotation and absence of play; if the bearing is damaged, it must be replaced before installing the new CV axle. Clean the inner CV joint flange bolt holes and threads.
7. 7

   Install New CV Axle Assembly
   Guide the new CV axle through the suspension, positioning the outer CV joint splines near the hub bearing and the inner CV joint flange near the differential output flange. Insert the outer CV joint splines fully into the hub bearing by pushing firmly on the axle shaft. Align the inner CV joint flange with the differential output flange, rotating as necessary to align the bolt holes.
8. 8

   Install Inner CV Joint Flange Bolts
   Install all 6 inner CV joint flange bolts through the CV joint flange and into the differential output flange. Start all bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque the bolts in a criss-cross pattern to the OEM-specified value (verify against factory service documentation) to ensure even seating of the flange.
   Torque spec

   CV Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install and Torque New Axle Hub Nut
   Place the new 36mm axle hub nut onto the axle shaft threads and thread it on by hand as far as possible. Using a torque wrench and correct-size socket, torque the axle nut to the OEM-specified value (verify size and torque against factory service documentation). You may need an assistant to apply the brakes to prevent the axle from rotating during torquing. After reaching the specified torque, If the axle nut is a stake-type collar nut on this platform, use a center punch and hammer to stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove to prevent loosening; verify the correct retention method against OEM documentation.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut244 Nm (180 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall Wheel and Lower Vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel onto the hub, aligning the lug bolt holes. Install all lug nuts and tighten by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to the OEM-specified value (verify against factory service documentation). Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands and floor jack.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142.4 Nm (105 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Refill Rear Differential
    If differential fluid was lost, locate the fill plug and refill with the OEM-specified gear oil grade and any required limited-slip additive (verify specification against factory service documentation) until the fluid level reaches the bottom of the fill hole. The differential may have lost approximately 0.25 to 0.5 quarts during the axle removal. Reinstall the fill plug and torque to specification.

Reassembly

1. Reinstallation follows the reverse order of removal with attention to proper torque specifications.
2. Always use a new axle hub nut and stake it after torquing to prevent loosening.
3. Torque inner CV joint flange bolts in a criss-cross pattern for even loading.
4. Check differential fluid level after completion and top off as necessary.

Verification

• With the vehicle on the ground, verify the axle nut is properly staked and torqued to specification.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, making turns in both directions to verify smooth CV joint operation without clicking, popping, or binding.
• After the test drive, raise the vehicle and inspect the inner CV joint flange for any signs of fluid leakage around the bolts.
• Verify the differential fluid level is at the proper level at the fill plug.
• Check for any unusual vibration or noise from the rear axle during normal driving conditions.

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