CV Axle - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a rear CV axle (half shaft) on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine and rear-wheel drive.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear CV axle (half shaft) - left or right as needed × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (new) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower ball joint nut (if reusing is not recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock the front wheels
3. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground
4. Loosen (but do not remove) the axle nut using a 36mm socket and breaker bar while vehicle is on the ground with parking brake engaged
5. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed under the frame rails
6. Remove the rear wheel on the side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   Completely remove the axle nut that was previously loosened. The nut is staked into the axle shaft groove, so it may require additional force. Discard the old nut as a new one must be used during reassembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect lower control arm ball joint
   Locate the lower control arm ball joint connection at the rear knuckle. Remove the ball joint nut using an 18mm socket. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint from the knuckle. Avoid damaging the ball joint boot if reusing the control arm.
3. 3

   Support the knuckle assembly
   Use a bungee cord or wire to support the knuckle and prevent it from hanging on the brake hose or ABS sensor wire. Allow enough slack to pull the knuckle outward away from the vehicle.
4. 4

   Access CV joint bolts at differential
   Locate the inboard CV joint where it connects to the differential output flange. There are typically 6 bolts securing the CV joint to the flange. Rotate the axle by hand or have an assistant rotate the wheel hub to access all bolts through the available opening.
5. 5

   Remove CV joint bolts
   Using a 15mm socket, remove all 6 CV joint bolts connecting the inboard CV joint to the differential flange. These bolts use threadlocker, so expect resistance. Keep track of bolt orientation. Support the axle to prevent it from falling once the last bolt is removed.
   ⚠CV axle will be free to fall once final bolt is removed. Support the axle with one hand or a strap.
6. 6

   Remove CV axle from hub
   Pull the knuckle assembly outward to disengage the outer CV splines from the wheel hub. If the axle is stuck in the hub, tap the end of the axle shaft with a plastic mallet or use a hub puller. Remove the complete CV axle assembly from the vehicle.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the differential output flange and the wheel hub splines. Inspect the hub and flange for damage, excessive wear, or debris. Clean the ball joint taper on the knuckle. Inspect the differential output seal for leaks.
8. 8

   Install new CV axle into hub
   Guide the new CV axle into position, inserting the outer splined end into the wheel hub first. Push firmly to ensure full engagement of the splines. The axle shaft should seat completely into the hub bore.
9. 9

   Connect inboard CV joint to differential
   Align the inboard CV joint bolt holes with the differential output flange. Rotate the flange or axle as needed for alignment. Install all 6 CV joint bolts finger-tight, ensuring proper thread engagement. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to bolt threads before installation.
10. 10

    Torque CV joint bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the CV joint bolts to specification in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even seating. Rotate the axle to access all bolts as needed.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect lower control arm ball joint
    Position the lower control arm ball joint stud into the knuckle. Install the ball joint nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench and 18mm socket. Ensure the ball joint taper is properly seated before final torque.
    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. While holding the brake rotor to prevent rotation, torque the axle nut to specification. After torquing, stake the nut into the axle shaft groove using a center punch and hammer to create a mechanical lock.
    ⚠A new axle nut must be used. The nut must be staked after torquing to prevent loosening.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the rear wheel onto the hub, ensuring proper seating on the hub face. Install the lug nuts and tighten by hand in a star pattern.
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and torque lug nuts
    Lower the vehicle to the ground. Using a torque wrench, tighten the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even pressure distribution.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure the axle nut is properly staked after torquing
2. Verify all CV joint bolts are torqued and threadlocker was applied
3. Check that the ball joint nut is properly torqued and the taper is seated
4. Inspect for any tools or parts left in the work area

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and listen for clicking, popping, or grinding noises from the rear axle during acceleration and turning
• Check for vibration during acceleration which may indicate improper CV joint installation or imbalanced components
• Inspect the axle nut to ensure it remains tight and properly staked after test drive
• Verify no fluid leaks from the differential output seal
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

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