CV Axle - Front

Replace the front CV axle assembly on a 2005 Dodge Viper, requiring removal of the wheel, brake components, suspension components, and hub to extract and install the axle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• CV axle assembly (front) × 1 — Use OEM specification for side being replaced
• CV axle hub nut × 1 — Single-use torque-to-yield nut, replace each removal
• Lower ball joint pinch bolt (if reusing) × 1 — Inspect for thread damage

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. With vehicle on ground and brakes applied, use breaker bar to break loose the front hub nut on the side being serviced
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove wheel and tire assembly
7. Apply penetrating oil to suspension fasteners, ball joint pinch bolt, and hub area if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove hub nut and washer
   With the hub nut already loosened during preparation, completely remove the large hub nut and washer from the end of the CV axle stub shaft. Set aside the washer for comparison with the new hardware (some applications reuse the washer). The nut itself is single-use and should be replaced.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts securing the brake caliper to the caliper bracket. Carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and support it with a wire hook or bungee cord attached to the suspension or frame. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose. The brake hose does not need to be disconnected.
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   If the rotor has retaining clips or screws, remove them. Slide the brake rotor off the hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, tap it from behind with a dead blow hammer or thread bolts into the threaded holes (if present) to push it off the hub.
4. 4

   Disconnect ABS sensor
   Not applicable — the 2005 Viper has no front driveaxle, so no front axle removal (and associated ABS sensor disconnection for axle clearance) is required.
5. 5

   Separate lower ball joint from knuckle
   Locate the lower ball joint pinch bolt securing the ball joint stud to the steering knuckle. Remove the pinch bolt (typically 15mm or 18mm). Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to separate the ball joint taper from the knuckle. Strike the tool sharply with a hammer until the joint releases. Pull the lower control arm downward to create clearance.
6. 6

   Push axle stub shaft out of hub
   With the hub nut removed and lower ball joint separated, push the CV axle stub shaft back through the hub bearing. You may need to use a brass drift or soft-faced hammer to tap the end of the axle shaft, or pull the hub/knuckle assembly outward while pushing the axle inward. If the splines are seized, use a hub puller to press the axle out of the hub bearing.
7. 7

   Remove inner CV joint from differential
   Not applicable — the 2005 Viper is rear-wheel drive and has no front differential or front inner CV joint. Apply firm, steady pressure until the circlip releases and the axle pulls free. Control the axle as it comes out to avoid damaging the differential seal or CV joint boots. Note the installed depth and orientation of the axle for reassembly.
8. 8

   Remove CV axle assembly
   Once both ends are free, maneuver the CV axle assembly out through the wheel well. You may need to angle and rotate the axle to clear the suspension components, steering knuckle, and frame. Be careful not to damage the CV joint boots during extraction.
9. 9

   Inspect differential seal and hub splines
   With the axle removed, inspect the differential output seal for damage or leakage. If the seal is damaged, now is the time to replace it. Inspect the hub bearing splines for wear or damage. Clean the hub splines and axle seating area in the differential with a wire brush and shop towels.
10. 10

    Install new CV axle into differential
    Ensure the circlip on the inner CV joint (if equipped with a new axle) is properly seated in its groove. Apply a light coat of gear oil or assembly lubricant to the splines and seal contact area of the inner CV joint. Align the inner CV joint with the differential opening and push firmly until you hear or feel the circlip snap into place. Pull on the axle to verify it is fully seated and locked.
11. 11

    Install outer CV joint into hub
    Guide the outer CV joint stub shaft through the hub bearing. Align the splines and push the shaft through the hub until it is fully seated. You may need to rotate the hub slightly to align the splines. Do not force the axle; if it does not slide in easily, check for alignment and clean any debris from the splines.
12. 12

    Reconnect lower ball joint to knuckle
    Lift the lower control arm and align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. Insert the stud fully into the knuckle taper. Install the pinch bolt and tighten it to specification. Verify the ball joint stud is fully seated in the taper before final torque.
13. 13

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub. If it had retaining screws or clips, reinstall them. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and align the slide pins with the caliper bracket. Install the two caliper slide pin bolts and tighten to specification.
14. 14

    Reconnect ABS sensor
    Reconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor electrical connector. Ensure the connector locks fully. Secure the sensor wire to the suspension or knuckle using the original retaining clips. Verify the wire has adequate clearance from moving suspension components and the tire.
15. 15

    Install new hub nut
    Place the washer onto the CV axle stub shaft (verify orientation matches original if reusing). Thread the new hub nut onto the axle shaft by hand as far as possible. Do not fully torque the nut yet. Reinstall the wheel and tire assembly, threading the lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (weight on tire but still supported by jack). Apply the brakes or have an assistant hold the brake pedal. Torque the hub nut to specification using a torque wrench. Fully lower the vehicle and torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the installation steps above
2. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Verify the CV axle inner joint is fully locked into the differential by pulling on the axle shaft
4. Do not reuse the hub nut; these are torque-to-yield and single-use

Verification

• Check differential fluid level and top off with 75W-140 synthetic GL-5 if needed after axle installation
• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify CV joint operation and clearance
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no clicking, popping, or vibration from the front axle
• Listen for clicking sounds during tight turns which would indicate CV joint issues
• Verify no fluid leaks from the differential seal after test drive
• Check that ABS system operates normally with no warning lights

More procedures for this vehicle