Replace the outer CV boot on the front axle shaft to prevent grease loss and contamination of the CV joint, requiring removal of the axle shaft from the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer CV boot kit with clamps and grease × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (if staked type) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
3. Loosen the 36mm axle nut while vehicle is on the ground (break torque only)
4. Raise and safely support the front of the vehicle on jack stands at the frame
5. Remove the front wheel on the side being serviced
6. Place catch pan under work area to collect any residual grease

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut and disconnect brake components
   Completely remove the 36mm axle nut from the end of the axle shaft. If equipped with a cotter pin, remove and discard it first. If the nut is staked, it must be replaced. The brake caliper does not need to be removed for this procedure, but ensure the wheel hub can move freely.
2. 2

   Disconnect outer CV joint from hub
   Push the axle shaft inward toward the differential to disengage the splines from the wheel hub. If the shaft is stuck, tap the end of the shaft with a brass drift and hammer while pulling the hub assembly outward. The outer CV joint and boot should now be accessible.
3. 3

   Remove old CV boot clamps
   Using wire cutters or CV boot clamp pliers, cut and remove both the large and small clamps securing the outer CV boot. Note the orientation and position of the boot on the shaft for proper installation of the new boot. Slide the old boot away from the CV joint toward the center of the axle shaft.
4. 4

   Clean CV joint and shaft
   Wipe away all old grease from the outer CV joint, axle shaft, and boot sealing areas using clean rags. Inspect the CV joint for wear, cracks, or damage. Check that the balls and cage move smoothly without binding. If damage is found, the entire axle shaft assembly should be replaced. Use parts cleaning solvent to thoroughly clean the boot seating surfaces on both the shaft and joint housing.
   ⚠Do not allow the CV joint balls to fall out. Keep the joint together and oriented properly during cleaning.
5. 5

   Install new CV boot
   Slide the new outer CV boot onto the axle shaft from the center, moving it toward the outer CV joint. Ensure the boot is not twisted and the small end seats properly in the groove on the axle shaft. Position the small clamp on the boot but do not tighten yet.
6. 6

   Pack CV joint with grease
   Pack the outer CV joint completely with the grease supplied in the boot kit. Distribute grease evenly into all areas of the joint between the balls and races. Also pack grease inside the new boot. Use all of the grease provided in the kit for the outer joint.
7. 7

   Seat boot and install clamps
   Pull the large end of the boot over the outer CV joint housing and seat it properly in the groove. Ensure the boot is not twisted and sits evenly all around. Install the large clamp over the boot. Before tightening, ensure the boot is neither stretched nor compressed - it should have a slight accordion shape. Crimp both the small and large clamps securely using the CV boot clamp crimping tool.
   ℹ️Proper boot positioning is critical. Too much tension will tear the boot; too much slack will allow it to contact rotating components.
8. 8

   Reinstall axle shaft into hub
   Align the axle shaft splines with the wheel hub and push the shaft firmly into place. The splines should fully engage with the hub. Install the 36mm axle nut onto the shaft threads and tighten by hand initially.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
   Install the wheel onto the hub and thread the lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. This will prevent the axle from spinning during final torquing.
10. 10

    Torque axle nut and wheel lug nuts
    Torque the 36mm axle nut to specification while the wheel is still on the ground. If the nut has a cotter pin hole, install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure. If it is a staked nut type, stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove using a punch. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    ⚠The axle nut must be properly secured with either a new cotter pin or by staking to prevent loosening during operation.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify both CV boot clamps are properly crimped and secure
2. Check that the axle nut is properly torqued and secured with cotter pin or staking
3. Ensure no tools or parts are left in the wheel well area
4. Clean any spilled grease from brake components and wheel surfaces

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle and listen for clicking or popping noises from the CV joint during turns, which would indicate improper installation or joint damage
• Visually inspect the new CV boot for proper seating and no signs of tears or displacement after test drive
• Check for grease leakage around both boot clamps
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

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