Replace the inner CV boot on the front axle shaft of a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel, requiring removal of the axle shaft from the differential and disassembly of the inner CV joint.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner CV boot kit with clamps and grease × 1 — Use OEM specification or Mopar kit
• Axle shaft seal (differential side) × 1 — Mopar 68003706AA or equivalent
• Differential cover gasket or RTV sealant × 1 — Use OEM specification
• New cotter pin or stake nut hardware × 1 — Per torque spec requirement

Fluids

• 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
4. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
5. Place drain pan under front differential
6. Clean area around axle shaft and differential to prevent contamination

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   If equipped with center cap, remove it to access axle nut. Have assistant apply brakes or use a pry bar to prevent hub rotation. Remove and discard cotter pin if present. Using breaker bar and appropriate socket, remove the axle nut. This is a high-torque fastener and will require significant force.
2. 2

   Disconnect CV shaft from differential
   Locate the inner CV joint bolts connecting the axle shaft to the differential flange. There are typically 6-8 bolts. Support the axle shaft and remove all CV bolts. Note: Some gear oil may drain at this point. Carefully pull the inner CV joint away from the differential and support the axle shaft.
   ⚠Gear oil will begin draining when connection is separated. Ensure drain pan is properly positioned.
3. 3

   Remove axle shaft from hub
   Push the outer end of the axle shaft toward the differential to disengage the splines from the hub. If shaft is stuck, use a soft-face hammer to tap the end while pulling outward on the hub assembly. Once free, carefully remove the entire axle shaft from the vehicle. Support it horizontally to prevent damage to outer CV joint.
4. 4

   Disassemble inner CV joint
   Place axle shaft on clean workbench. Cut away old inner CV boot clamps with side cutters and slide boot toward outer joint. Using snap ring pliers, remove the large snap ring retaining the inner CV joint housing. Mark the relationship between the tripod bearing and shaft with a paint marker. Slide the CV joint housing off, exposing the tripod bearing. Remove the tripod snap ring and carefully slide the tripod bearing off the shaft, keeping all needle bearings contained.
   ⚠Tripod bearing contains loose needle bearings. Work carefully to prevent loss of bearings and note their orientation.
5. 5

   Remove old boot and clean components
   Slide the old inner CV boot completely off the axle shaft. Thoroughly clean the axle shaft, tripod bearing, and CV joint housing with degreaser and shop rags. Remove all old grease and inspect components for wear, scoring, or damage. Replace CV joint assembly if any damage is found. Use wire brush to clean the boot mounting areas on the shaft.
6. 6

   Install new boot and assemble tripod
   Slide the new inner CV boot onto the axle shaft with the small end toward the outer joint. Position the small boot clamp but do not tighten yet. Pack the tripod bearing with the CV grease provided in the boot kit. Install the tripod bearing onto the shaft in the same orientation as marked during removal. Install the tripod snap ring ensuring it is fully seated in its groove.
7. 7

   Assemble CV joint housing
   Pack the inside of the CV joint housing with remaining grease from the kit. Distribute grease evenly around the housing. Align the tripod bearing with the housing and slide the housing over the tripod, ensuring proper engagement. Install the large snap ring to retain the housing. Position the boot over the CV joint housing.
8. 8

   Install boot clamps
   Ensure the boot is properly seated in both shaft groove and housing groove with no twists. Adjust the boot to allow proper articulation without over-extension or compression. Install and tighten the small boot clamp first using CV boot clamp pliers. Then install and tighten the large clamp on the housing end. Ensure clamps are tight and tabs are properly bent or crimped per clamp type.
9. 9

   Reinstall axle shaft
   Carefully guide the axle shaft back into position, first inserting the outer end into the hub assembly. Push inward while rotating slightly to engage the splines. Once the outer end is engaged, align the inner CV joint with the differential flange. Install all CV bolts finger-tight first, then torque in a star pattern.
   ℹ️Ensure axle shaft splines are fully engaged in hub before installing inner CV bolts.
   Torque spec

   CV Bolts82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install axle nut and refill differential
    Install new axle nut and torque to specification. Install new cotter pin through castle nut and bend tabs, or stake nut per manufacturer requirement. Check front differential fluid level through fill plug. Add 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil as needed to bring level to bottom of fill plug hole (approximately 1.5 quarts). Reinstall fill plug.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground to prevent rotation. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all snap rings are fully seated and CV boot clamps are properly tightened
2. Verify differential fluid level is correct and fill plug is secure
3. Double-check all torque specifications, especially axle nut and CV bolts
4. Wipe up any spilled gear oil from chassis components

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, making full-lock turns in both directions to verify CV joint operates smoothly without binding or clicking
• Check for gear oil leaks around axle shaft seal and differential cover after test drive
• Verify no vibration or unusual noises from front axle during acceleration and turning
• Visually inspect new CV boot for proper seating and ensure clamps are secure with no movement

More procedures for this vehicle