CV Axle - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and installation of the rear CV axle on a 2008 Dodge Viper with the 8.4L V10 engine, including suspension disassembly and differential work.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• CV axle assembly (specify left or right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Differential output shaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• CV axle nut (if not reusable) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• 75W-90 synthetic gear oil — 2.75 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on four jack stands at manufacturer-approved lift points
4. Remove rear wheel on the side being serviced
5. Place drain pan under differential on the side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove CV axle hub nut
   With the vehicle still stable and parking brake engaged, use a breaker bar and appropriate socket to remove the large axle hub nut at the center of the rear hub assembly. This nut requires the OEM-specified socket size and must be torqued to the factory specification (verify exact size and torque in the 2008 Viper service manual before proceeding). If the nut has a staked collar, use a chisel to unstake it first. Remove the nut completely and set aside (replace with new if OEM specifies single-use).
2. 2

   Disconnect rear suspension lower control arm
   Locate the inboard mounting point of the rear lower control arm where it attaches to the chassis or subframe. Remove the mounting bolt(s) to allow the suspension to drop and provide clearance for axle removal. You may need to support the knuckle assembly with a jack to control the suspension drop. Remove the bolt and retain hardware.
3. 3

   Disconnect rear shock absorber lower mount (if necessary)
   If clearance is restricted, disconnect the lower mounting bolt of the rear shock absorber from the suspension knuckle or control arm. This will allow additional suspension travel for axle removal. Support the suspension components as needed to prevent strain on brake lines or other components.
4. 4

   Support rear knuckle assembly
   Position a floor jack under the rear knuckle/hub assembly to support its weight and control its position during axle removal. Adjust jack height to keep suspension geometry approximately at ride height or slightly lower to aid axle angle for removal.
5. 5

   Remove outer CV joint from hub
   Push the outer CV joint stub shaft inboard through the hub bearing. You may need to tap the end of the shaft with a dead blow hammer or use the hub puller technique if the splines are tight. Once free, push the entire axle inboard to disengage the outer splines from the hub bearing. Support the axle to prevent it from hanging on the inner CV joint.
6. 6

   Remove inner CV joint from differential
   Position drain pan directly under the inner CV joint at the differential housing. Verify the inner CV joint retention method for this vehicle (circlip into side gear vs. bolted flange). If circlip-retained, carefully pry the inner joint using a pry bar against the inner CV joint housing and the differential case to disengage the circlip from the differential side gear. Apply firm, even pressure. The joint will pop free once the circlip releases. Expect immediate gear oil drainage. If the joint is stubborn, a slide hammer with appropriate adapter can be used on the inner joint. Once free, remove the axle assembly completely from the vehicle.
7. 7

   Inspect and replace differential seal
   With the axle removed, inspect the differential output shaft seal for wear, leakage, or damage. It is recommended to replace this seal during axle service. Use a seal puller or pry tool to carefully remove the old seal from the differential housing. Clean the seal bore thoroughly. Install the new seal using an appropriate seal driver or socket that matches the outer diameter of the seal. Drive the seal in squarely until it seats flush with the housing face.
8. 8

   Prepare new CV axle for installation
   Inspect the new CV axle assembly for shipping damage and ensure the inner CV joint circlip is properly seated in its groove. Verify the outer splines are clean and free of burrs. If reusing the original axle, inspect CV boots for tears, check for excessive play in the joints, and ensure the circlip is in good condition and properly seated.
9. 9

   Install inner CV joint into differential
   Align the inner CV joint splines with the differential side gear. Push the axle assembly firmly inboard until the circlip engages and seats with an audible click. You may need to rotate the axle slightly to align splines. Once seated, attempt to pull the axle outboard to verify the circlip has properly engaged—it should not pull free.
10. 10

    Install outer CV joint into hub
    Guide the outer CV joint stub shaft through the rear hub bearing, aligning the splines. Push the shaft through until it protrudes from the outer side of the hub. Use the floor jack to adjust knuckle position as needed for alignment. Ensure the shaft is fully seated through the bearing.
11. 11

    Install CV axle hub nut
    Thread the axle hub nut onto the stub shaft by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the nut snug but do not torque to final specification yet—this will be done with the vehicle on the ground for proper load.
12. 12

    Reconnect rear suspension components
    Raise the suspension knuckle assembly using the floor jack to align the lower control arm and shock absorber mounting points. Reinstall the lower control arm mounting bolt and the shock absorber lower mounting bolt (if removed). Ensure all fasteners are properly seated and tightened to specification. Remove the floor jack from under the knuckle.
13. 13

    Refill rear differential
    Locate the differential fill plug (typically on the front or side of the differential housing). Using a fluid pump, refill the differential with the OEM-specified gear oil until fluid begins to seep from the fill hole, indicating proper level (verify exact viscosity, specification, and total capacity in the 2008 Viper service manual). Reinstall and tighten the fill plug.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel, threading lug nuts by hand to ensure proper engagement. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but not fully torqued. Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands.
15. 15

    Final torque specifications
    With the vehicle on the ground and full weight on the suspension, torque the rear wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Torque the CV axle hub nut to manufacturer specification. Confirm the hub nut retention design in the factory manual. If the nut is a staked design, stake the collar into the groove on the stub shaft per the OEM procedure; if it is a single-use self-locking nut, replace it with new.

Reassembly

1. Torque all suspension fasteners to manufacturer specification once vehicle is at ride height
2. Verify differential fluid level after a short test drive and top off if necessary
3. Check for any gear oil leaks around the differential seal after initial operation

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle and listen for any clicking, popping, or grinding noises from the rear axle during acceleration, deceleration, and turning
• Verify smooth power delivery without vibration or binding
• Inspect for gear oil leaks around the differential seal and axle CV boots
• Confirm proper wheel bearing operation with no excessive play or noise

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