This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front CV axle assembly on a 2014 Ram 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine and 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front CV axle assembly × 1 — Use OEM or equivalent for 2014 Ram 2500 4WD
• CV axle nut × 1 — OEM replacement axle nut
• Cotter pin or stake nut × 1 — Match OEM specification
• Front differential fluid × 1 — 75W-90 GL-5

Fluids

• 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise vehicle and secure on jack stands at frame rails
4. Remove wheel and tire assembly
5. Place drain pan under front differential to catch gear oil

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   Have an assistant apply brakes or use a pry bar to prevent hub rotation. Remove the 36mm axle nut from the end of the CV axle shaft. This nut should be discarded and replaced with a new one during reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut329 Nm (243 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect upper ball joint
   Remove the upper ball joint nut from the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the upper ball joint from the knuckle. If using a pinch bolt design, remove the pinch bolt instead. Support the knuckle with wire to prevent strain on the brake hose.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut137 Nm (101 lb-ft)

   Ball Joint Pinch Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Separate outer CV joint from hub
   Pull the steering knuckle and hub assembly outward away from the vehicle. Use a brass punch and hammer to tap the CV axle shaft out of the hub bearing if it is stuck. The splined shaft should slide out of the hub once the axle nut is removed.
4. 4

   Remove inner CV joint bolts
   Locate the inner CV joint flange where it connects to the front differential output flange. Remove the bolts securing the CV joint flange to the differential. There are typically 6-8 bolts. Support the CV axle as you remove the last bolt.
   ⚠Differential fluid will begin draining once CV axle is removed from differential housing.
   Torque spec

   CV Bolts82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove CV axle assembly
   Carefully maneuver the CV axle assembly out from between the differential and hub. The axle may need to be angled or rotated to clear suspension components and the frame. Keep the drain pan positioned to catch any remaining differential fluid.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the hub bearing bore, differential output flange, and upper ball joint taper. Remove any dirt, rust, or debris that could prevent proper seating of the new CV axle. Inspect the hub bearing for roughness or play.
7. 7

   Install new CV axle
   Insert the new CV axle assembly by first positioning the inner CV joint flange to the differential output flange. Align the bolt holes and start all bolts by hand. Do not fully tighten yet. Guide the outer splined shaft through the hub bearing.
8. 8

   Torque inner CV joint bolts
   Torque the inner CV joint flange bolts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating. This connects the CV axle to the front differential output shaft.
   Torque spec

   CV Bolts82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect upper ball joint
   Position the upper control arm ball joint into the steering knuckle. Install the ball joint nut or pinch bolt and torque to specification. Ensure the ball joint taper is fully seated before tightening.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut137 Nm (101 lb-ft)

   Ball Joint Pinch Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install and torque axle nut
    Install the new axle nut onto the CV axle shaft. Have an assistant apply brakes or use a pry bar to prevent hub rotation. Torque the axle nut to specification. Stake the nut or install a new cotter pin as specified by the design to prevent loosening.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut329 Nm (243 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Refill front differential
    Locate the front differential fill plug on the differential housing. Remove the fill plug and add 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil until it begins to drip from the fill hole. The capacity is approximately 1.5 quarts. Reinstall the fill plug.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and tire assembly. Start all lug nuts by hand and snug them in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Always use a new axle nut - do not reuse the old nut
2. Ensure axle nut is properly staked or cotter pin is installed to prevent loosening
3. Verify differential fluid level is correct after refilling
4. Check that all suspension components are properly torqued and seated

Verification

• Test drive vehicle and listen for clicking, popping, or grinding noises from the front axle during turns
• Verify no vibration is present during acceleration
• Check for differential fluid leaks around the inner CV joint area after test drive
• Confirm proper 4WD engagement and operation
• Recheck axle nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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