This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front CV axle assembly on a 4WD 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front CV axle assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (new) × 1 — Self-locking or stake type
• Cotter pin (if applicable to axle nut) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint nut (if reuse not recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification

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. Break loose the front axle nut using breaker bar and 21mm socket while vehicle is still on ground with helper applying brakes
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
6. Remove wheel and tire assembly
7. Support lower control arm with floor jack to maintain suspension position

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   With the vehicle raised and supported, completely remove the front axle nut that was previously loosened. Set aside the old nut as a new one must be installed during reassembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect lower ball joint
   Remove the lower ball joint pinch bolt or ball joint nut (depending on suspension configuration). Use an 18mm socket for the nut or appropriate size for pinch bolt. Once fastener is removed, use a ball joint separator tool to separate the lower control arm from the steering knuckle. Do not damage the ball joint boot during separation.
   ⚠The ball joint separator may require significant force. Ensure the vehicle is stable before applying impact loads.
3. 3

   Separate CV axle from wheel hub
   Push the CV axle shaft out of the wheel hub assembly. If the axle is stuck, use a brass drift and hammer to carefully tap it through from the inboard side. Avoid damaging the hub bearing or axle threads. Once free, support the axle to prevent it from hanging on the inner CV joint.
4. 4

   Remove inboard CV bolts
   Locate the six CV bolts that secure the inboard CV joint flange to the front differential output flange. Use a 13mm socket to remove all six bolts. You may need to rotate the axle or have an assistant turn the steering wheel to access all bolts. Keep bolts organized as they will be reused unless damaged.
   ℹ️Some fluid may drip from the differential when the axle is removed. This is normal minor seepage, not a full drain.
5. 5

   Remove CV axle assembly
   Pull the inboard CV joint away from the differential output flange. Maneuver the entire CV axle assembly out from between the lower control arm and frame. You may need to turn the steering wheel to full lock position to gain clearance. Inspect the hub splines and differential output flange for damage or excessive wear.
6. 6

   Clean mating surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the hub splines, differential output flange, and ball joint taper. Remove any corrosion, old grease, or debris. Inspect the hub bearing for play or roughness while the axle is removed. Check the differential output seal for leaks or damage.
7. 7

   Install new CV axle assembly
   Guide the new CV axle into position, inserting the outboard end into the wheel hub first. Align the inboard CV joint flange with the differential output flange. Ensure the axle shaft is fully seated in the hub splines before proceeding. Rotate the axle to align all six bolt holes.
   ⚠Do not force the axle into the hub. If resistance is met, verify splines are clean and properly aligned.
8. 8

   Install and torque CV bolts
   Install all six CV bolts connecting the inboard CV joint flange to the differential output flange. Thread each bolt by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Torque all six bolts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even loading of the joint.
   Torque spec

   CV Bolts76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect lower ball joint
   Position the lower control arm ball joint back into the steering knuckle taper. Install the ball joint nut or pinch bolt depending on your suspension configuration. Ensure the taper is fully seated before tightening. Torque the fastener to specification.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut127 Nm (94 lb-ft)

   Ball Joint Pinch Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install and torque axle nut
    Install the NEW axle nut onto the CV axle shaft. Have a helper apply the brakes or use a pry bar against the rotor to prevent the axle from spinning. Torque the axle nut to specification. After torquing, stake the nut into the axle shaft groove using a punch and hammer, or install a new cotter pin if your configuration uses that retention method.
    ⚠A new axle nut must be used. Do not reuse the old nut as it may not retain proper torque.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut305 Nm (225 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel
    Install the wheel and tire assembly. Thread all lug nuts by hand to ensure proper seating. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent wheel rotation. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Final torque verification
    With the vehicle lowered completely to the ground, perform a final verification that the axle nut is properly torqued and staked. Verify the lug nuts are torqued to specification. Remove the floor jack from under the control arm.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification before returning vehicle to service
2. Verify axle nut is properly staked or cotter pin is installed to prevent loosening
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no clicking, popping, or vibration from the CV axle
• Turn the steering wheel full lock in both directions while driving slowly to verify CV joint operation
• Check for any fluid leaks from the differential output seal after test drive
• Verify proper wheel alignment if steering wheel is off-center or vehicle pulls to one side

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