drivetrain

CV Axle - Rear

for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.9 h

Tools

Steps

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

Warnings

⚠️Vehicle must be properly supported on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.

⚠The axle nut is extremely tight at 329 Nm (243 lb-ft). Loosen it while the vehicle is on the ground with wheels chocked and parking brake engaged.

⚠Differential fluid will drain when the CV axle is removed. Have a drain pan ready and plan to refill.

ℹ️A new axle nut must be used upon reassembly and properly staked to prevent loosening.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Torque wrench (0-400 Nm range)Essential

1/2 inch breaker barEssential

36mm axle nut socketEssential

Ball joint separator or pickle forkEssential

Hammer

Pry bar

Wire brush

Socket set (metric)Essential

Punch and hammer for staking axle nutEssential

Drain panEssential

Wheel chocksEssential

Parts

Rear CV axle shaft × 1 — Use OEM specification
Axle nut (NEW required) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Ball joint nut (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
CV flange bolts (if reusing is not recommended) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

Mopar 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant — 0.5 qt

Preparation

Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
Chock the front wheels securely
Loosen the rear axle nut while vehicle is still on the ground using a breaker bar and 36mm socket (do not remove completely)
Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
Raise the rear of the vehicle and support securely on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight
Remove the wheel and tire assembly
Place drain pan under the differential to catch gear oil

Procedure

1
Remove axle nut
With the vehicle raised and supported, fully remove the previously loosened 36mm axle nut from the end of the CV axle shaft. Set aside and discard as a new nut must be used.
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 ball joint from the knuckle. Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot if reusing the control arm.
⚠The ball joint separator will apply significant force. Ensure the knuckle is supported and will not drop suddenly when separation occurs.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut137 Nm (101 lb-ft)
3
Remove CV axle flange bolts
Locate the inner CV joint at the differential flange. Remove the four bolts securing the CV axle flange to the differential output flange. You may need to rotate the axle to access all four bolts. Support the axle shaft to prevent it from falling.
Torque spec
CV Bolts82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
4
Separate CV axle from hub
Pull the outer end of the CV axle shaft out through the wheel hub assembly. The splined end should slide out of the hub bearing. If stubborn, use a soft-faced hammer to tap on the end of the shaft while pulling outward. Do not strike the CV joint directly.
5
Remove CV axle from differential
Pull the inner CV joint flange away from the differential output flange and remove the entire CV axle assembly from the vehicle. Differential fluid will drain from the opening. Allow fluid to drain completely into the drain pan.
6
Clean mating surfaces
Use a wire brush to clean the differential output flange, wheel hub splines, and ball joint taper surfaces. Remove any corrosion, dirt, or old threadlocker. Inspect the hub bearing for any play or damage while the axle is removed.
7
Install new CV axle inner end
Position the new CV axle and align the inner CV joint flange with the differential output flange. Install the four flange bolts finger tight first, then torque in a cross pattern to specification.
Torque spec
CV Bolts82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
8
Install CV axle outer end into hub
Guide the splined outer end of the CV axle through the wheel hub bearing. Ensure the splines are fully engaged and the shaft is seated properly in the hub.
9
Reconnect upper ball joint
Align the upper ball joint stud with the steering knuckle. Install a new ball joint nut if the old one is damaged, and torque to specification. Ensure the ball joint taper is properly seated in the knuckle.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut137 Nm (101 lb-ft)
10
Install and torque axle nut
Install the NEW 36mm axle nut onto the CV axle shaft. Torque the nut to 329 Nm (243 lb-ft). After torquing, use a punch and hammer to stake the nut collar into the CV axle groove to prevent loosening. Verify the nut is properly staked.
⚠A new axle nut MUST be used. Reusing the old nut can result in loosening and axle shaft separation.
Torque spec
Axle Nut329 Nm (243 lb-ft)
11
Refill differential
Refill the rear differential with approximately 0.5 quarts of Mopar 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant, or until fluid reaches the bottom of the fill plug hole. Install the fill plug and torque per specification.
12
Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
Install the wheel and tire assembly. Install lug nuts and torque in a star pattern to specification. Lower the vehicle to the ground and perform final torque verification on lug nuts with the vehicle weight on the wheels.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
Verify the axle nut is properly staked and cannot rotate
Check differential fluid level after a short test drive and top off if necessary

Verification

Test drive the vehicle and verify no vibration, clicking, or unusual noises from the rear axle during acceleration and turning
Check for any differential fluid leaks around the output flange
Verify the axle nut is still properly torqued and staked after test drive
Confirm proper operation of rear suspension and steering with no binding or unusual play