This procedure covers removal and replacement of a front CV axle on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• CV axle assembly (driver or passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (new required) × 1 — 90179-50023 or equivalent
• Cotter pin (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen (but do not remove) the 32mm axle nut while vehicle is on ground with brake applied
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise and support vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Remove wheel and tire assembly
7. Position drain pan under transaxle to catch fluid spillage

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   With the vehicle raised and wheel removed, completely remove the 32mm axle nut that was previously loosened. If the nut was staked, use a hammer and punch to unstake it first. Remove and discard the old nut.
2. 2

   Disconnect lower ball joint
   Remove the cotter pin (if equipped) from the lower ball joint nut. Remove the ball joint nut. Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to separate the ball joint from the lower control arm. Alternatively, if equipped with a pinch bolt, remove the pinch bolt to disconnect the ball joint.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut102 Nm (75 lb-ft)

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

   Support knuckle assembly
   Support the steering knuckle and brake assembly with a wire or bungee cord to prevent strain on the brake hose once the axle is removed. Do not let the knuckle hang by the brake line.
4. 4

   Remove axle from wheel hub
   Pull the steering knuckle outward and push the axle shaft out of the wheel hub. If the axle is stuck, tap the end of the shaft with a brass drift or use a proper axle puller. Do not strike the threads or use excessive force that could damage the bearings.
   ⚠Do not damage the wheel bearing or ABS sensor ring when removing the axle from the hub.
5. 5

   Remove axle from transaxle
   Insert a pry bar between the inner CV joint housing and the transaxle case. Pry the axle out of the transaxle with a firm, steady motion. The inner joint is retained by a circlip that will release with proper force. Allow transmission fluid to drain into the pan.
   ⚠Do not damage the transaxle seal or case during removal. Use a proper pry point and avoid excessive force.
6. 6

   Remove CV axle from vehicle
   Carefully remove the entire CV axle assembly from the vehicle. Keep the axle level during removal to prevent dripping transmission fluid on other components.
7. 7

   Inspect transaxle seal
   Inspect the transaxle seal for damage or leakage. Replace if necessary before installing the new axle. Clean the seal contact area on the transaxle case.
8. 8

   Prepare new CV axle
   Remove the new CV axle from packaging. Verify the circlip on the inner joint is properly seated in its groove. Apply a small amount of transmission fluid to the seal contact area of the inner joint.
9. 9

   Install axle into transaxle
   Align the inner CV joint splines with the transaxle and push firmly until the circlip seats with an audible click. Tug on the inner joint to verify it is fully engaged and locked in place.
   ⚠Ensure the circlip fully engages. The axle should not pull out of the transaxle with moderate force.
10. 10

    Install axle into wheel hub
    Guide the outer CV joint splines into the wheel hub bore. Pull the steering knuckle outward as needed to align the splines. Push the axle shaft through the hub until it is fully seated.
11. 11

    Reconnect lower ball joint
    Position the lower ball joint into the steering knuckle. Install the ball joint nut and torque to specification, or install and torque the pinch bolt if applicable. Install a new cotter pin if equipped and bend the ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut102 Nm (75 lb-ft)

    Ball Joint Pinch Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install new axle nut
    Install the new 32mm axle nut onto the axle shaft. Do not torque at this time. The nut will be torqued after the vehicle is lowered.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and tire assembly. Thread the lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but weight is still on the jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque axle nut and stake
    With the vehicle still supported but the wheel on the ground, apply the brakes and torque the axle nut to specification. Use a brass punch and hammer to stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove. The nut must be deformed into the groove to prevent loosening.
    ⚠Proper staking of the axle nut is critical. The nut collar must be deformed into the shaft groove to prevent it from loosening during operation.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut294 Nm (217 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Final wheel installation
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Check transmission fluid level and top off with Toyota WS ATF as needed
2. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and secured
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle and verify no vibration, clicking, or unusual noises from the CV axle
• Check for transmission fluid leaks around the axle seal after test drive
• Verify proper operation through turning maneuvers in both directions
• Confirm the axle nut staking is secure and the nut has not loosened

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