This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both front CV axles on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK with the 3.6L V6 engine and 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front CV axle (driver side) × 1 — Use OEM specification or Mopar 68211028AA equivalent
• Front CV axle (passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification or Mopar 68211029AA equivalent
• Axle hub nut (36mm) × 2 — Mopar 6508073AA or equivalent
• Ball joint castle nut × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for ball joint × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Using a breaker bar and 36mm socket, loosen (but do not remove) both front axle hub nuts while vehicle is on the ground with brakes applied
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove both front wheels
7. Spray ball joint nuts and CV bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle hub nut
   With the vehicle raised and wheels removed, finish removing the 36mm axle hub nut that was previously loosened. If the nut was staked, straighten the staked portion before removal. Keep the old nut for reference but discard it as a new nut must be installed.
2. 2

   Disconnect lower ball joint from knuckle (driver side)
   Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint castle nut. Using an 18mm socket, remove the ball joint nut completely. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. Strike the separator firmly to break the taper. Once separated, support the lower control arm to prevent it from dropping.
3. 3

   Remove inner CV bolts from differential (driver side)
   Locate the six 15mm bolts securing the inner CV joint to the front differential flange. Using a 15mm socket, remove all six bolts. You may need to rotate the axle or turn the steering wheel to access all bolts. Support the CV axle to prevent it from falling.
4. 4

   Remove driver side CV axle
   Pull the steering knuckle outward to disengage the outer CV splines from the hub. Simultaneously pull the inner CV joint away from the differential. The axle should now be free. Carefully maneuver the axle out from the wheel well. Use a clean rag to cover the differential opening to prevent debris entry.
5. 5

   Disconnect lower ball joint from knuckle (passenger side)
   Repeat the ball joint separation process on the passenger side. Remove the cotter pin, remove the castle nut with an 18mm socket, and use the ball joint separator to break the taper between the ball joint and steering knuckle.
6. 6

   Remove inner CV bolts from differential (passenger side)
   Remove the six 15mm bolts securing the passenger side inner CV joint to the front differential flange. Rotate the axle or turn the steering wheel as needed to access all bolts. Support the axle during removal.
7. 7

   Remove passenger side CV axle
   Pull the steering knuckle outward and separate the outer CV splines from the hub. Pull the inner CV joint away from the differential and remove the complete axle assembly from the vehicle. Cover the differential opening with a clean rag.
8. 8

   Clean mating surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the hub splines, differential flange surfaces, and ball joint tapers on both sides. Remove any dirt, rust, or old grease. Inspect the hub bearings for play or roughness while the axle is removed. Check differential seals for leaks.
9. 9

   Install new CV axle (driver side)
   Align the new driver side CV axle inner joint with the differential flange. Insert the outer splines into the hub bearing while guiding the inner CV joint onto the flange. Ensure the axle is fully seated in the hub. Hand-thread the six inner CV bolts to hold the axle in position but do not fully tighten yet.
10. 10

    Reconnect lower ball joint and torque bolts (driver side)
    Push the lower control arm up and insert the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle. Install the new castle nut and torque to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the ball joint stud hole and install a new cotter pin. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure. Now torque all six inner CV joint bolts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut117 Nm (86 lb-ft)

    CV Joint Bolts71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new CV axle (passenger side)
    Repeat the installation process for the passenger side CV axle. Align the inner CV joint with the differential flange and insert the outer splines into the hub bearing. Hand-thread all six inner CV bolts.
12. 12

    Reconnect lower ball joint and torque bolts (passenger side)
    Insert the passenger side ball joint stud into the steering knuckle. Install the new castle nut and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin and secure. Torque all six inner CV joint bolts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut117 Nm (86 lb-ft)

    CV Joint Bolts71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install and torque axle hub nuts
    Install the new 36mm axle hub nuts on both sides and hand-tighten. Install the front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle on the ground and brakes applied, torque both axle hub nuts to 281 Nm (207 lb-ft). After torquing, use a punch and hammer to stake the axle nut collar into the axle shaft groove at one point to prevent the nut from loosening.
    ⚠Axle hub nuts must be torqued with the vehicle on the ground to prevent hub bearing damage. The staking operation is critical and must be performed after torquing.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut281 Nm (207 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle on the ground, torque all wheel lug nuts to 156 Nm (115 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all six CV joint bolts are torqued to specification on both sides
2. Verify both ball joint castle nuts are properly torqued and cotter pins are installed and bent
3. Confirm both axle hub nuts are torqued to specification and properly staked
4. Double-check that all tools and rags have been removed from the work area

Verification

• Start the engine and slowly turn the steering wheel full lock in both directions while listening for clicking or binding noises from the CV joints
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, making tight turns in both directions to verify CV joints operate smoothly without clicking
• After the test drive, verify there are no fluid leaks from the differential seals where the CV axles connect
• Recheck the torque on both axle hub nuts after the first 50-100 miles of driving
• Inspect the staking of the axle hub nuts to ensure they remain properly secured

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