This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front CV axle assembly on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK with the 3.6L V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front CV axle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle hub nut × 1 — Must be new, one-time use
• Ball joint castle nut × 1 — Replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface, apply parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
2. With vehicle still on ground, loosen axle hub nut using breaker bar and 36mm socket (do not remove yet)
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts with vehicle on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly
6. Clean CV bolts and axle nut area with wire brush to prevent contamination

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle hub nut
   With the vehicle raised and supported, fully remove the previously loosened 36mm axle hub nut. Discard this nut as it is not reusable. If the nut has a staked collar, straighten it with a punch before removal.
2. 2

   Disconnect lower ball joint
   Remove the castle nut from the lower ball joint using an 18mm wrench. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot if reusing the control arm.
   ⚠Using a pickle fork will likely destroy the ball joint boot. Use a proper ball joint separator if you plan to reuse components.
3. 3

   Disconnect CV axle from differential
   Locate the six CV bolts connecting the inner CV joint to the differential flange. Note their orientation or take a photo for reference. Use a 13mm socket to remove all six bolts. Support the axle shaft to prevent it from hanging on the outer joint.
4. 4

   Remove CV axle from hub
   Pull the steering knuckle outward while pushing the CV axle shaft out of the hub assembly. If the axle is stuck in the hub, use a brass drift and light hammer taps on the end of the shaft. Once free from the hub, guide the axle assembly out from under the vehicle.
   ⚠Do not use excessive force or strike the threaded end of the axle shaft directly with a steel hammer as this will damage the threads.
5. 5

   Inspect and prepare new CV axle
   Inspect the hub splines and differential flange for damage or debris. Clean both surfaces thoroughly. Verify the new CV axle matches the old unit in length and spline count. Apply a light coat of anti-seize to the hub splines (not the threads).
6. 6

   Install CV axle into hub
   Guide the new CV axle into position. Insert the outer splined end into the hub assembly, ensuring it seats fully into the bearing. You may need to rotate the axle slightly to align the splines. Do not force it.
7. 7

   Connect CV axle to differential
   Align the inner CV joint flange with the differential flange, matching the orientation noted during removal. Install all six CV bolts and tighten in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Torque bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

   CV Bolts70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect lower ball joint
   Guide the lower ball joint stud into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Ensure the cotter pin holes align; if not, tighten further (never loosen) until alignment is achieved, then install cotter pin if equipped.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install and torque axle hub nut
   Install the NEW axle hub nut onto the axle shaft threads. Have an assistant apply the brake pedal or use a pry bar to prevent hub rotation. Torque the axle nut to specification using a calibrated torque wrench.
   ⚠️The axle nut MUST be torqued to exactly 207 lb-ft (281 Nm). Under-torquing can result in axle separation and loss of vehicle control.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut281 Nm (207 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Stake axle nut
    Using a punch and hammer, stake the collar of the axle nut into the groove on the axle shaft. This permanently locks the nut and prevents it from loosening. Verify the stake is secure by attempting to rotate the nut (it should not move).
    ⚠Proper staking is critical. The nut must be deformed into the axle groove to prevent loosening during operation.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and tire assembly. Hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (still supported by jack). Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification and no tools or parts are left under the vehicle
2. Verify the axle nut is properly staked and cannot rotate
3. Check that CV bolts are tight and the inner joint is flush against the differential flange

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, making full-lock turns in both directions to verify no clicking, popping, or binding from the CV joint
• Verify no vibration is present during acceleration or at highway speeds
• Re-check axle nut stake and all fastener torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around the differential flange area

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