This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear CV axle assembly on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK with 3.6L V6 engine, including disconnection from the differential and hub.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear CV axle shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification for side being replaced
• Axle hub nut × 1 — Use new nut - do not reuse

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on the ground
3. Raise and safely support the rear of the vehicle on jack stands placed on the frame rails
4. Remove the rear wheel on the side being serviced
5. Loosen but do not remove the 36mm axle nut while an assistant applies the brake pedal (or use a breaker bar with the parking brake engaged)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle hub nut
   With the axle nut already loosened, completely remove the 36mm axle hub nut from the end of the axle shaft. This nut must be replaced with a new one during reassembly and should not be reused.
2. 2

   Support brake caliper and rotor assembly
   If additional clearance is needed, you may remove the brake caliper bracket assembly. If removing, use mechanic's wire to hang the caliper from the suspension - do not let it hang by the brake hose. The rotor can remain on the hub studs unless it interferes with axle removal.
3. 3

   Mark CV joint orientation
   Before removing the CV joint bolts, mark the orientation of the CV joint flange relative to the differential flange using a paint marker or scribe. This ensures proper phasing during reinstallation and prevents potential vibration issues.
4. 4

   Remove CV joint bolts at differential
   Remove the four bolts connecting the inner CV joint flange to the differential output flange. These are typically 15mm bolts. You may need to rotate the axle or differential to access all four bolts. Support the axle shaft to prevent it from falling once the bolts are removed.
   Torque spec

   CV Joint Bolts71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Separate CV joint from differential
   Carefully pull the inner CV joint away from the differential flange. Some differential fluid may leak out - this is normal. Use a drain pan to catch any fluid. Support the axle shaft and CV joint assembly to prevent damage to the CV boot.
   ⚠Do not let the CV joint hang unsupported - this can damage the boot and internal components
6. 6

   Remove axle shaft from hub
   Pull the outer end of the axle shaft out of the wheel hub assembly. If the shaft is stuck, use a brass drift or soft-faced hammer to tap it from behind, or use an appropriate axle puller. Do not damage the hub bearing or ABS tone ring during removal. The axle should slide out once the splines are clear.
7. 7

   Inspect hub and differential seals
   With the axle removed, inspect the wheel hub bearing for play or roughness, and check the differential output seal for leaks or damage. If the seal shows signs of leakage, it should be replaced while the axle is out. Also inspect the CV boots for tears or damage.
8. 8

   Install new axle shaft into hub
   Clean the splines on the new axle shaft and apply a thin layer of anti-seize compound. Insert the outer end of the new axle shaft through the hub assembly, ensuring the splines engage properly. Push the shaft in until it is fully seated in the hub bearing.
9. 9

   Connect CV joint to differential
   Align the inner CV joint flange with the differential output flange, using the alignment marks made during removal. Install the four CV joint bolts and tighten them in a crossing pattern to the specified torque. Ensure the flanges are fully seated before final torquing.
   ℹ️Proper flange alignment is critical to prevent driveline vibration
   Torque spec

   CV Joint Bolts71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
10. 10

    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 the parking brake to prevent rotation. Torque the axle nut to specification using a calibrated torque wrench. After torquing, stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove using a punch and hammer to prevent loosening.
    ⚠A new axle nut must be used - do not reuse the old nut
    ⚠Ensure the nut is properly staked after torquing to prevent it from backing off
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut281 Nm (207 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall brake components and wheel
    If the brake caliper was removed, reinstall it to the mounting bracket. Install the wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground, then torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Check differential fluid level
    Check the rear differential fluid level through the fill plug. Add Mopar 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant as needed to bring the level to the bottom of the fill plug hole. If significant fluid was lost, plan to add approximately 0.5-1.0 quart.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification, particularly the axle nut which is critical for bearing preload
2. Verify the axle nut has been properly staked to prevent loosening
3. Double-check that brake components are properly reinstalled if they were removed
4. Check for any differential fluid leaks around the output seal

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle and listen for any abnormal noises from the rear axle area
• Check for vibration at various speeds - improper CV joint alignment can cause vibration
• Verify smooth operation during turns, as this loads the CV joints
• Recheck the differential fluid level after test drive and top off if needed
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around the differential output seal
• Verify the axle nut is still tight and properly staked after test drive

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