Replace the outer CV boot on the front axle shaft to prevent contamination and damage to the CV joint on a 4WD F-150 with 5.0L V8.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer CV boot kit (includes boot, clamps, and grease) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Axle nut (if not reusable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• New cotter pin or stake nut hardware × 1 — Per torque spec requirements

Preparation

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

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   Completely remove the previously loosened front axle nut from the end of the axle shaft. Inspect threads on axle shaft for damage. Discard old cotter pin if equipped, or prepare to replace stake nut per specification.
2. 2

   Separate axle from hub
   Using a pry bar or careful hammer strikes on the axle end, push the axle shaft back through the wheel hub assembly to disengage the splines. The axle should move inboard approximately 1-2 inches. Do not damage the wheel speed sensor or brake components during this process.
3. 3

   Access CV joint at differential
   Locate the inner CV joint bolts that connect the axle shaft to the front differential output flange. There are typically 6 bolts securing the CV joint. Clean the area around the bolts with wire brush and degreaser to prevent contamination.
4. 4

   Remove CV joint mounting bolts
   Remove the 6 bolts connecting the inner CV joint to the differential output flange. Support the axle shaft to prevent it from hanging on the outer CV joint. Carefully pull the entire axle shaft assembly out from the hub and away from the differential.
   Torque spec

   CV Bolts76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove old outer CV boot
   Place the axle shaft on a clean work surface. Cut or remove the clamps securing the outer CV boot (the boot closest to the wheel end). Slide the old boot off the CV joint toward the inner joint. Do not disassemble the CV joint itself unless replacing the entire joint.
6. 6

   Clean and inspect CV joint
   Thoroughly clean the outer CV joint using degreaser and shop rags, removing all old grease. Inspect the CV joint for wear, pitting, or damage to the balls and races. Rotate the joint through its full range of motion checking for binding or roughness. If damage is found, replace the entire axle shaft assembly rather than just the boot.
7. 7

   Pack CV joint with new grease
   Using the grease supplied in the CV boot kit, pack the outer CV joint thoroughly. Work grease into all ball tracks and ensure complete coverage. Use approximately half of the grease pack supplied in the kit for the outer joint. The joint should be generously packed but not overflowing.
8. 8

   Install new CV boot
   Slide the new outer CV boot over the axle shaft from the inner end, moving it toward the outer CV joint. Position the small end of the boot into the groove on the axle shaft, and the large end into the groove on the outer CV joint housing. Ensure the boot is not twisted and sits properly in both grooves.
9. 9

   Secure boot clamps
   Install the clamps provided in the boot kit. Position the small clamp on the axle shaft end first, then the large clamp on the CV joint housing end. Use the appropriate clamp tool to tighten both clamps securely. Ensure clamps are tight enough to prevent grease leakage but not so tight they damage the boot. Verify boot is properly seated after clamping.
10. 10

    Reinstall axle shaft assembly
    Guide the axle shaft back into position, inserting the outer end through the wheel hub until splines engage. Support the inner end and align the inner CV joint flange with the differential output flange. Install all 6 CV joint bolts finger-tight, then torque in a cross-pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Install and torque axle nut
    Clean the axle threads and install the new or reusable axle nut. Torque the axle nut to specification while having an assistant apply the brakes to prevent rotation, or use a pry bar through the brake rotor cooling vanes. Install new cotter pin or stake the nut as specified by the fastener type.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and tire assembly. Install lug nuts and tighten in a star pattern to specification. Lower the vehicle carefully from jack stands to the ground. Perform final lug nut torque verification with vehicle on ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all clamps are properly secured and boot is not twisted
2. Verify axle nut is properly torqued and cotter pin or stake is installed
3. Double-check all CV joint bolts are torqued to specification
4. Clean any spilled grease from brake components, suspension, and wheels

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock to verify no binding or clicking from CV joint
• Test drive vehicle at low speed, making sharp turns in both directions to verify proper CV joint operation
• Listen for any clicking, popping, or grinding noises during turns which would indicate improper installation or joint damage
• After test drive, inspect the new boot for any signs of grease leakage or boot displacement
• Recheck wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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