CV Axles - Front Pair

Replacement of both front CV axle assemblies on the 2008 Dodge Viper, including removal of hub nuts, suspension components, and axle extraction from transmission and wheel hubs.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front CV axle assembly (driver side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front CV axle assembly (passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle hub nut (reusable if undamaged) × 2 — M24 x 1.5 or verify OEM specification
• Lower ball joint nut (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission output seal (driver side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission output seal (passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Pennzoil Synchromesh 75W-90 — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove).
3. Using breaker bar and 36mm socket, break loose both front axle hub nuts while vehicle weight is still on wheels. Do not remove nuts completely.
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer lift points.
5. Remove front wheels and set aside.
6. Place drain pan under transmission bell housing area to catch fluid spillage.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle hub nut
   Fully remove the 36mm axle hub nut from the driver side hub. If nut has staked collar, use punch or chisel to unstake before removal. Inspect nut threads and replace if damaged. Repeat for passenger side.
2. 2

   Disconnect lower ball joint
   Locate the lower control arm ball joint connection at the steering knuckle. Remove the castle nut securing the ball joint stud. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint taper from the knuckle. Apply penetrating oil if joint is seized. Repeat for opposite side.
   ⚠Pickle fork will damage ball joint boot. Use only if joint is being replaced or if alternative separator is unavailable.
3. 3

   Disconnect outer tie rod end (if required)
   If clearance is insufficient to remove axle, disconnect the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Remove cotter pin and castle nut, then use ball joint separator to release taper. Mark tie rod position on threads before removal to preserve toe setting.
4. 4

   Support steering knuckle
   Using wire or bungee cord, support the steering knuckle and brake assembly to prevent stress on brake hose. Ensure knuckle will not drop when axle is removed.
5. 5

   Remove driver side axle from hub
   Pull the steering knuckle outward to disengage the CV axle splines from the wheel hub. If axle is stuck, tap the end of the axle shaft with rubber mallet while applying outward pressure on knuckle. If still seized, use slide hammer with appropriate adapter attached to axle threads. Once free, support outer end of axle.
6. 6

   Remove driver side axle from transmission
   Position pry bar between the inner CV joint housing and the transmission case. Apply firm, steady pressure to disengage the axle from the transmission output shaft. The inner joint should pop free from the retaining clip. Pull axle straight out to avoid damaging output seal. Transmission fluid will drain; keep drain pan in position. Plug transmission opening with clean rag to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination.
7. 7

   Remove passenger side axle from hub
   Repeat the hub disengagement process for the passenger side. Pull steering knuckle outward and disengage CV axle splines from wheel hub using same techniques as driver side.
8. 8

   Remove passenger side axle from transmission
   Using pry bar, disengage passenger side inner CV joint from transmission output shaft. Pull axle assembly straight out. Position drain pan to catch additional fluid spillage. Plug transmission opening with clean rag.
9. 9

   Inspect and replace transmission seals
   Remove plugs from transmission output shaft openings. Inspect output shaft seals for damage, wear, or leakage. Using appropriate seal puller or screwdriver, carefully remove old seals from transmission case. Clean seal bore thoroughly with wire brush and shop towels. Install new seals using seal driver or appropriately sized socket, driving evenly until flush with transmission case. Lubricate seal lips with clean transmission fluid before axle installation.
10. 10

    Install driver side axle into transmission
    Ensure new axle inner CV joint retaining circlip is properly seated in its groove. Align axle with transmission output shaft and push firmly until circlip engages. You should hear and feel a distinct click when circlip seats. Verify engagement by attempting to pull axle back out; it should resist with significant force.
11. 11

    Install driver side axle into hub
    Guide outer CV joint splines into wheel hub. Pull steering knuckle outward if needed to align splines. Push axle through hub until fully seated. Outer splines should protrude through hub to accept axle nut threads.
12. 12

    Install passenger side axle into transmission
    Repeat transmission installation process for passenger side. Align axle with output shaft, push firmly until circlip clicks into place, and verify engagement by pull test.
13. 13

    Install passenger side axle into hub
    Guide passenger side outer CV joint splines into wheel hub and seat fully. Ensure splines protrude through hub for axle nut installation.
14. 14

    Reconnect suspension components
    Reconnect lower ball joints to steering knuckles on both sides. Install castle nuts and torque to specification. Install new cotter pins. If outer tie rod ends were disconnected, reconnect to knuckles at marked positions, install castle nuts with torque specification, and install new cotter pins. Remove support wires/cords from knuckles.
15. 15

    Install axle hub nuts
    Thread 36mm axle hub nuts onto both axle shafts by hand. Tighten snug with socket but do not torque yet. Install wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts.
16. 16

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Lower vehicle to ground so weight is on wheels. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Torque both axle hub nuts to final specification using torque wrench and breaker bar. If applicable, stake axle nut collar into axle shaft groove using punch.
17. 17

    Refill transmission fluid
    Check transmission fluid level per manufacturer procedure. Add Pennzoil Synchromesh 75W-90 as needed to restore proper level. Typical loss is 0.5-1.0 quart total for both axles.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly follows removal in reverse order.
2. Always use new cotter pins for ball joint castle nuts; never reuse old pins.
3. Verify all suspension fasteners are torqued to specification before test drive.
4. If tie rod ends were disconnected, alignment check is mandatory after completion.

Verification

• Start engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks from output shaft seals.
• Test drive vehicle in safe area, checking for vibration, noise, or clicking from CV axles during acceleration, deceleration, and turns.
• Verify steering returns to center properly if tie rod ends were disconnected.
• Re-check axle hub nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving.
• If tie rod ends were disconnected, verify vehicle tracks straight and schedule alignment within 100 miles.

More procedures for this vehicle