Replace the outer CV boot on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK with 3.6L V6 engine to prevent contamination and failure of the CV joint.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer CV boot kit with clamps and grease × 1 — Use OEM specification
• New axle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen the wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground but do not remove
3. Raise the front of the vehicle and support securely on jack stands at the frame rails
4. Remove the wheel on the side being serviced
5. Have a drain pan ready in case any grease spills during disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove the axle nut
   Use a chisel or punch to unstake the axle nut by straightening the crimped portion. With the vehicle weight still on the axle (or have an assistant apply the brakes), use a 36mm socket and breaker bar to loosen and remove the axle nut. Discard the old nut as a new one must be installed.
   ⚠The axle nut is extremely tight and requires significant leverage to remove
2. 2

   Access the outer CV joint
   The outer CV boot is accessible with the axle still installed in the vehicle. Locate the outer CV joint where the axle shaft meets the wheel hub. You will see the rubber boot with two clamps securing it.
3. 3

   Remove the old boot clamps
   Use diagonal cutters or boot clamp pliers to cut and remove both the large and small boot clamps from the outer CV boot. Slide the old boot away from the CV joint toward the center of the axle shaft to expose the joint.
4. 4

   Clean and inspect the CV joint
   Wipe away all old grease from the CV joint using shop rags. Inspect the joint for any signs of wear, pitting, or damage to the ball bearings and races. Rotate the joint through its full range of motion to check for roughness or binding. If any damage is found, the entire axle shaft should be replaced rather than just the boot.
   ℹ️A damaged CV joint cannot be repaired with just a boot replacement and requires full axle replacement
5. 5

   Remove the old boot
   Slide the old outer CV boot completely off the axle shaft. Clean the axle shaft surface where the boot sits using a wire brush and shop rags to remove any old grease and debris.
6. 6

   Install the new boot and clamps
   Slide the new small clamp onto the axle shaft first, followed by the new CV boot, then the large clamp. Position the small end of the boot onto the axle shaft in the groove provided. Do not tighten the clamp yet.
7. 7

   Pack the CV joint with grease
   Pack the CV joint completely with the grease provided in the boot kit. Work the grease into all areas of the joint, between the ball bearings and races. Also pack grease inside the boot itself. Use all grease provided in the kit to ensure proper lubrication.
8. 8

   Position and secure the boot
   Slide the large end of the boot over the CV joint housing and seat it in the groove. Ensure the boot is not twisted and sits properly in both grooves. Install and tighten the small clamp using boot clamp pliers, then install and tighten the large clamp. Verify both clamps are secure and the boot has no twists or kinks.
9. 9

   Install new axle nut
   Install the new axle nut onto the axle shaft and hand tighten. Reinstall the wheel and lug nuts, then lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground (to prevent axle rotation). Torque the axle nut to specification, then raise the vehicle again to complete wheel installation.
   ⚠A new axle nut must be used; do not reuse the old nut
   Torque spec

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

    Stake the axle nut
    Using a chisel or punch, stake the axle nut by creating a crimp in the nut collar into the groove on the axle shaft. This prevents the nut from loosening during operation. Verify the stake is secure.
11. 11

    Reinstall the wheel
    If not already done, install the wheel and hand tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground and torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure the CV boot is properly seated in both grooves with no twists or damage
2. Verify both boot clamps are tight and secure
3. Confirm the new axle nut is properly staked to prevent loosening
4. Double-check all lug nuts are torqued to specification

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle and listen for any clicking or popping noises from the CV joint, especially during turning
• After the test drive, inspect the new boot for any signs of grease leakage or damage
• Verify the boot clamps remain tight and the boot has not shifted out of position
• Recheck wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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