CV Axles - Front Pair

This procedure covers the removal and installation of both front CV axles on the 2005 Dodge Viper equipped with the 8.3L V10 engine, including hub nut removal, suspension separation, and axle extraction from the transmission.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front CV axle - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front CV axle - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle hub nut × 2 — Replace if specified by manufacturer
• Lower ball joint nut × 2 — Replace if damaged

Fluids

• 75W-90 synthetic GL-4 manual transmission fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground.
3. Using a breaker bar and 32mm socket, loosen (but do not remove) the front axle hub nuts on both sides while vehicle is on the ground. This nut is extremely tight and the wheel must be on the ground to prevent hub rotation.
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands positioned under the front frame rails.
5. Remove both front wheels.
6. Place drain pans under the transmission to catch fluid that will drain when axles are removed.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driver side axle hub nut
   With the vehicle raised and wheel removed, fully remove the previously loosened 32mm axle hub nut from the driver side. If the nut was not loosened on the ground, have an assistant apply the brakes or use a pry bar through the wheel studs to prevent hub rotation. Set the nut aside (replace if manufacturer specifies one-time use).
2. 2

   Disconnect driver side lower ball joint
   Locate the lower ball joint connection at the lower control arm. Remove the castle nut or retaining nut securing the ball joint stud to the knuckle. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Apply penetrating oil if needed and strike the separator tool sharply to break the taper. Support the lower control arm with wire or allow it to hang if clearance permits.
3. 3

   Remove driver side CV axle from hub
   With the ball joint disconnected, pull the steering knuckle outward to disengage the CV axle splines from the hub bearing. The axle shaft should slide out of the hub. If resistance is encountered, use a dead blow hammer to tap the end of the axle shaft while pulling the knuckle outward. Do not use excessive force that could damage the hub bearing.
4. 4

   Extract driver side CV axle from transmission
   Position a drain pan directly under the axle/transmission interface. Insert a pry bar between the inner CV joint housing and the transmission case. Pry the axle assembly out of the transmission with firm, steady pressure. The axle is retained by a circlip and will release with a pop. Pull the axle completely free of the transmission. Transmission fluid will drain from the opening. Inspect the circlip on the axle for damage and replace if necessary. Keep the axle labeled as driver side.
5. 5

   Remove passenger side axle hub nut
   Repeat the process for the passenger side: fully remove the previously loosened 32mm axle hub nut. Use the same method to prevent hub rotation if necessary.
6. 6

   Disconnect passenger side lower ball joint
   Remove the retaining nut from the passenger side lower ball joint. Use the ball joint separator to disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle, following the same procedure as the driver side.
7. 7

   Remove passenger side CV axle from hub
   Pull the passenger side steering knuckle outward and disengage the CV axle splines from the hub bearing. Tap with a dead blow hammer if needed to free the splines.
8. 8

   Extract passenger side CV axle from transmission
   With the drain pan positioned under the transmission, use a pry bar to extract the passenger side CV axle from the transmission case. The axle will release from the circlip with firm prying. Remove the axle completely and allow remaining fluid to drain. Label the axle as passenger side.
9. 9

   Inspect transmission output seals
   With both axles removed, inspect the transmission output shaft seals for leaks, damage, or wear. If seals show signs of deterioration, now is the ideal time to replace them. Clean any debris from the seal area and transmission housing before installing new axles.
10. 10

    Install new driver side CV axle into transmission
    Ensure the circlip on the inner CV joint is properly seated in its groove on the new driver side axle. Align the axle splines with the transmission output shaft and push the axle firmly into the transmission until the circlip engages with a positive click. Tug on the axle to verify it is fully seated and retained by the circlip.
11. 11

    Install driver side CV axle into hub
    Guide the outer CV joint splines into the hub bearing. Pull the steering knuckle outward as needed to align the splines, then push the axle fully into the hub until it bottoms out. Install the 32mm hub nut hand-tight only at this stage.
12. 12

    Reconnect driver side lower ball joint
    Lift the lower control arm and insert the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle. Install the retaining nut and tighten to specification. Install cotter pin if equipped.
13. 13

    Install new passenger side CV axle into transmission
    Verify the circlip is properly seated on the passenger side axle. Align and push the axle into the transmission output shaft until the circlip clicks into place. Confirm engagement by pulling on the axle.
14. 14

    Install passenger side CV axle into hub
    Insert the passenger side outer CV joint splines into the hub bearing, ensuring full engagement. Install the 32mm hub nut hand-tight.
15. 15

    Reconnect passenger side lower ball joint
    Position the passenger side lower ball joint stud into the knuckle and install the retaining nut to specification. Install cotter pin if applicable.
16. 16

    Refill transmission fluid
    Using a transmission fluid pump, refill the manual transmission with 75W-90 synthetic GL-4 fluid through the fill port until fluid begins to drip from the fill hole. Reinstall the fill plug. Approximately 1 quart will be needed to replace fluid lost during axle removal.
17. 17

    Final torque axle hub nuts
    Install both front wheels and lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque both front axle hub nuts to the manufacturer's specification using the 32mm socket and torque wrench. This is typically in the range of 185-210 ft-lbs, but verify exact specification for this platform. Stake or install cotter pin if applicable per factory procedure.

Reassembly

1. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern after final torque of hub nuts.
2. Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper CV axle operation and listen for any clicking or binding noises.
3. Recheck transmission fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary.

Verification

• Verify both CV axles are fully seated in the transmission by attempting to pull them outward - there should be no movement.
• Confirm both axle hub nuts are torqued to specification and properly staked or pinned.
• Check transmission fluid level is at the bottom of the fill port when level.
• Test drive and turn the steering wheel full lock in both directions while accelerating gently - there should be no clicking, popping, or binding from the CV joints.
• Inspect for transmission fluid leaks around the output shaft seals after test drive.

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