Replace the inner CV boot on the drive axle to prevent contamination and loss of grease in the CV joint, involving partial axle removal and boot replacement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner CV boot kit with clamps and grease × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent CV boot kit
• Axle nut (reusable if staked type) × 1 — 52710-A7000 or equivalent
• New cotter pin or stake nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Circlip (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Loosen but do not remove the 32mm axle nut while vehicle is on ground with brakes applied (this nut has very high torque)
4. Raise and support vehicle securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove wheel completely
6. Place drain pan underneath work area to catch any residual grease or fluid

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut and disconnect outer end
   With the vehicle raised and wheel removed, completely remove the previously loosened 32mm axle nut. Remove and discard the cotter pin or unstake the nut as applicable. The nut should have been loosened while the vehicle was on the ground. If the axle spins, have an assistant apply the brakes.
2. 2

   Disconnect inner CV joint from transmission
   Locate the six CV bolts connecting the inner CV joint housing to the intermediate shaft or transmission flange. Remove all six bolts using a 19mm socket. Support the axle assembly to prevent it from falling. Carefully pull the inner joint away from the transmission flange. Some transmission fluid may leak; this is normal.
   ⚠Keep track of all six CV bolts. Inspect for damage or thread wear and replace if necessary.
   Torque spec

   CV Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove axle assembly from vehicle
   Pull the outer end of the axle shaft out of the wheel hub. You may need to tap the end with a brass punch or soft mallet if it's stuck. Once the outer splines are clear of the hub, carefully remove the entire axle assembly from the vehicle. Support the assembly to avoid bending or damaging the outer CV joint.
4. 4

   Secure axle and mark alignment
   Place the axle assembly on a clean workbench. Use a marker or paint pen to mark the alignment of the axle shaft relative to the inner CV joint housing before disassembly. This ensures proper reassembly orientation. Clamp the axle shaft gently in a vise if available, using protective jaw covers.
5. 5

   Remove old inner CV boot
   Cut and remove both clamps securing the inner CV boot using wire cutters or an angle grinder (be careful not to damage the axle shaft). Slide the old boot toward the center of the shaft. Wipe away old grease from the CV joint housing and axle shaft using clean rags and degreaser. Inspect the joint for wear, pitting, or damage.
   ⚠If the CV joint shows significant wear, scoring, or has loose bearings, the entire joint or axle assembly must be replaced rather than just the boot.
6. 6

   Remove circlip and separate joint (if necessary)
   If your boot kit requires complete joint disassembly, use circlip pliers to remove the circlip retaining the inner CV joint to the axle shaft. Note the orientation of all components. Tap the joint housing with a soft mallet if needed to slide it off the shaft. If the boot can be replaced without full disassembly (split boot or slide-on type), skip joint removal.
7. 7

   Install new inner CV boot and clamps
   Slide the new small boot clamp onto the axle shaft, followed by the new CV boot (small end first), then the large clamp. If the joint was removed, reinstall it onto the shaft in the correct orientation matching your alignment marks. Install a new circlip if removed, ensuring it fully seats in its groove.
8. 8

   Pack joint with grease and position boot
   Pack the CV joint housing completely with the grease provided in the boot kit (typically 120-150 grams). Distribute grease evenly around all bearing surfaces. Slide the boot fully onto the joint housing. Ensure the boot is not twisted and sits properly in both the shaft groove and housing groove. Compress or extend the axle slightly to set the boot at its proper operating length (usually mid-position).
   ℹ️Use only the grease provided with the CV boot kit. Different CV joints require specific grease types that are not interchangeable.
9. 9

   Secure boot clamps
   Using CV boot clamp pliers or a clamp band tool, tighten and secure both the small and large clamps. Ensure clamps are positioned correctly in the boot grooves and are tightened evenly. Crimp-type clamps should be fully closed; ear-type clamps should be crimped until the gap is within specification (typically 1-2mm). Verify the boot is not twisted or pinched.
10. 10

    Reinstall axle assembly to vehicle
    Carefully guide the outer end of the axle shaft into the wheel hub, ensuring the splines engage properly. Push firmly until the axle is fully seated. Align the inner CV joint housing with the transmission flange or intermediate shaft, matching the bolt holes. Support the axle to maintain alignment.
11. 11

    Install CV bolts and axle nut
    Install all six CV bolts connecting the inner joint to the transmission flange. Torque the CV bolts in a crisscross pattern to specification. Thread the new or reused axle nut onto the outer axle shaft by hand, then snug it with a socket (do not fully torque yet).
    Torque spec

    CV Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub and thread all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but not fully torqued. Carefully lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. This allows final torquing while preventing rotation.
13. 13

    Final torque all fasteners
    With the vehicle on the ground and parking brake applied, torque the axle nut to specification using a torque wrench and breaker bar. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots and bend to secure, or stake the nut using a punch as applicable to your nut type. Torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    ⚠The axle nut requires 250 Nm (184 ft-lb) of torque. Ensure you have an adequate torque wrench and the vehicle is stable with brakes applied.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all boot clamps are properly secured and the boot is not twisted or pinched
2. Verify the axle nut is properly torqued and secured with a new cotter pin or properly staked
3. Double-check that all six CV bolts are torqued to specification
4. Confirm wheel lug nuts are torqued in a star pattern

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle and listen for any clicking, popping, or grinding noises from the CV joint during turns and acceleration
• Inspect the new CV boot for any signs of leaking grease after the test drive
• Verify smooth operation with no vibration during acceleration
• Re-check axle nut and wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• Visually inspect the boot and clamps after initial driving to ensure everything remains properly seated

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