CV Axle - Rear

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear CV axle shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification for side being replaced
• Axle nut × 1 — New axle nut required
• Differential cover gasket × 1 — Use if differential fluid is drained

Fluids

• Motorcraft 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground
4. If the axle nut is staked, use a center punch or chisel to unstake it before loosening
5. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support securely on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight
6. Remove the rear wheel on the side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   With the vehicle on the ground or brakes applied, use a breaker bar and 21mm socket to loosen and remove the axle nut from the wheel hub. This nut is torqued to 305 Nm and may require significant force. Discard the old axle nut as a new one must be installed.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut305 Nm (225 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect lower control arm ball joint
   Locate the lower control arm ball joint at the rear knuckle. Remove the 18mm ball joint nut. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint from the knuckle. Apply pressure between the control arm and knuckle while striking the separator tool to break the taper loose.
   ⚠Do not damage the ball joint boot during separation if reusing the control arm.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Support the knuckle assembly
   With the lower control arm disconnected, support the knuckle and hub assembly to prevent it from falling or placing strain on the brake hose. Use a bungee cord or wire to secure it to the frame or suspension component.
4. 4

   Mark CV axle-to-differential orientation
   At the differential end of the CV axle, mark the relationship between the CV joint flange and the differential flange using a paint marker or scribe. This ensures proper alignment during reassembly and maintains driveline balance.
5. 5

   Remove CV axle flange bolts
   Remove the six CV axle flange bolts connecting the inboard CV joint to the rear differential flange using a 19mm socket. These bolts may have thread locker applied. Keep the bolts organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   CV Bolts76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove CV axle from hub
   Pull the knuckle assembly outward while simultaneously pushing the axle shaft out of the wheel hub splines. The axle should slide free from the hub. If the axle is stuck, tap the end with a brass hammer or use a puller. Some differential fluid may drain from the differential opening, so position a drain pan beneath the work area.
   ⚠Differential fluid will begin to leak when the axle is removed. Have a drain pan positioned under the differential.
7. 7

   Remove CV axle assembly
   Carefully maneuver the complete CV axle assembly out from between the suspension components. Inspect the old axle for signs of failure, torn boots, or contamination to understand the cause of failure.
8. 8

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the differential flange surface, hub splines, and ball joint taper surfaces. Remove any corrosion, old thread locker, or debris. Inspect the hub splines for damage or excessive wear.
9. 9

   Install new CV axle into hub
   Insert the outboard end of the new CV axle through the wheel hub, ensuring the splines engage properly. Push the axle fully into the hub until it seats. Support the axle to prevent it from falling out during the next step.
10. 10

    Connect CV axle to differential
    Align the inboard CV joint flange with the differential flange using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Install all six CV flange bolts finger-tight first, then torque in a star pattern to 76 Nm (56 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    CV Bolts76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect lower control arm ball joint
    Guide the lower control arm ball joint back into the knuckle taper. Install the ball joint nut and torque to 127 Nm (94 lb-ft). Ensure the taper is fully seated before torquing.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install and torque axle nut
    Install the new axle nut onto the axle shaft. With the wheel installed and vehicle lowered (or brakes applied), torque the axle nut to 305 Nm (225 lb-ft). Stake the axle nut into the groove on the axle shaft using a center punch and hammer to prevent loosening.
    ℹ️A new axle nut must be used and properly staked to prevent it from loosening during operation.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut305 Nm (225 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel and thread lug nuts on by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to 169 Nm (125 lb-ft). Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Check and refill differential fluid
    Check the rear differential fluid level through the fill plug. Add Motorcraft 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil as needed to bring the level to the bottom of the fill hole (approximately 2.0 quarts total capacity). Install the fill plug and torque per specification.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification in the order listed
2. Verify the axle nut is properly staked to prevent loosening
3. Double-check that differential fluid level is correct before test driving

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area and listen for clicking, popping, or grinding noises from the rear axle during acceleration and turning
• Verify no vibration is present at highway speeds, which would indicate improper CV joint installation or imbalance
• Inspect the differential and axle nut area for fluid leaks after test drive
• Recheck axle nut torque and staking after 50-100 miles of driving

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