Replace the outer CV boot on a front axle shaft to prevent grease loss and contamination of the CV joint.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer CV boot kit with clamps and grease × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin or stake nut × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground but do not remove
3. Loosen the 36mm axle nut while vehicle is on ground (may require breaker bar)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly
6. Place drain pan under work area to catch any residual grease

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   Remove the 36mm axle nut completely from the end of the axle shaft. The nut should already be loosened from preparation. Remove and discard the cotter pin or stake nut retention feature. Keep the old nut for reference but plan to install a new one during reassembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect outer CV joint from wheel hub
   Use a brass drift or soft hammer to tap the end of the axle shaft to break it free from the wheel hub splines. If necessary, use a puller tool designed for hub separation. Do not damage the threads on the axle shaft end. The axle should push back slightly into the transmission.
   ⚠Do not strike the axle shaft threads directly with a steel hammer as this will damage them and prevent nut installation.
3. 3

   Support the axle shaft
   Position the axle shaft so it is supported and angled to provide access to the outer CV joint. You may need to turn the steering to full lock position to gain clearance. Use wire or a bungee cord to support the shaft if needed to prevent strain on the inner CV joint.
4. 4

   Remove old boot clamps
   Use CV boot clamp pliers or side cutters to remove both the large and small clamps securing the outer CV boot. Cut the clamps carefully to avoid damaging the CV joint or axle shaft. Remove and discard the old clamps.
5. 5

   Slide boot back and expose CV joint
   Slide the old outer CV boot back along the axle shaft to expose the outer CV joint. Wipe away excess grease with shop rags to expose the joint components. Inspect the CV joint for wear, pitting, or damage. If the joint shows significant wear, consider replacing the entire axle shaft.
6. 6

   Clean CV joint and shaft
   Thoroughly clean the outer CV joint, ball bearings, and axle shaft surface using shop rags and solvent if necessary. Remove all old grease and any contaminants. Use a wire brush on the shaft surface where the new boot will seat to ensure a clean mating surface. Dry completely before proceeding.
   ℹ️Inspect the CV joint balls and races carefully during cleaning. Any pitting, wear grooves, or discoloration indicates joint failure and requires axle replacement.
7. 7

   Remove old boot
   Slide the old outer CV boot completely off the axle shaft. Inspect the shaft for any damage, burrs, or rough edges that could tear the new boot. Smooth any imperfections with fine emery cloth.
8. 8

   Install new boot and clamps
   Slide the new small clamp onto the axle shaft first, followed by the new outer CV boot, then the new large clamp. Position the small end of the boot in the groove on the axle shaft but do not tighten the clamp yet.
9. 9

   Pack CV joint with grease
   Pack the outer CV joint completely with the grease provided in the boot kit. Work grease into all ball bearings and races by hand. Use the full amount of grease supplied in the kit. Excess grease will distribute into the boot during operation.
10. 10

    Position and secure boot
    Slide the large end of the boot over the outer CV joint housing and seat it in the boot groove. Ensure the boot is not twisted and sits evenly in both grooves. Use CV boot clamp pliers to crimp and secure the small clamp on the axle shaft, then secure the large clamp on the CV joint housing. Verify both clamps are tight and properly seated.
    ⚠Ensure no air is trapped in the boot. Press or manipulate the boot to burp out any air pockets before final clamp tightening to prevent boot ballooning.
11. 11

    Reinstall axle into wheel hub
    Guide the outer CV joint and axle shaft back into the wheel hub assembly. Push firmly until the splines engage and the axle shaft seats completely in the hub. You may need to rotate the shaft slightly to align the splines.
12. 12

    Install new axle nut
    Install the new 36mm axle nut onto the axle shaft threads. Thread by hand to avoid cross-threading. Snug the nut but do not torque yet. The final torque will be applied with the vehicle on the ground and wheels installed.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and tire assembly. Thread lug nuts by hand, then snug them in a star pattern with a wrench. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not loaded. Apply final torque to the lug nuts in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque axle nut and secure
    With the vehicle weight on the ground and brakes applied (or transmission in Park), torque the axle nut to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the hole in the axle shaft and bend the ends, or stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove depending on design. Ensure the retention feature is properly installed to prevent nut loosening.
    ⚠The axle nut must be torqued with vehicle on the ground to prevent hub bearing damage. Have an assistant apply brakes or ensure parking brake is fully engaged.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all clamps on the new CV boot are properly crimped and seated in their grooves
2. Check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area
3. Verify axle nut retention (cotter pin or staking) is properly installed

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle and verify no clicking, popping, or vibration from the front axle during turns
• After 50-100 miles, inspect the new CV boot for any signs of grease leakage or boot movement
• Verify the axle nut remains tight and the retention feature is intact
• Listen for any unusual noises during acceleration, deceleration, and turning in both directions

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