This procedure covers replacement of the front axle seal on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, requiring removal of the CV axle and seal extraction from the transaxle housing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front axle seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (if staked type) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• New cotter pin (if pinned type) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts on the side being serviced while vehicle is still on ground
3. Loosen but do not remove the front axle nut while vehicle is on ground with brake applied (break torque only)
4. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
5. Remove wheel completely
6. Position drain pan under transaxle area to catch ATF

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   With vehicle raised and wheel removed, completely remove the 30mm or 32mm front axle nut. If staked type, use chisel to unstake before removal. If cotter pin type, remove and discard cotter pin. Keep washer if present.
2. 2

   Disconnect outer CV joint from hub
   Push the axle shaft inward through the hub assembly. If tight, tap end of axle with plastic hammer while supporting behind the hub. The splined shaft should push through the wheel bearing. Do not damage ABS sensor ring on axle.
3. 3

   Support CV axle
   Use wire or bungee cord to support the outer end of the CV axle assembly to prevent damage to the outer boot and joint. Do not let axle hang by the inner joint.
4. 4

   Remove CV axle from transaxle
   Using a pry bar positioned against the transaxle case (not the seal), carefully pry the inner CV joint out of the differential. Apply steady force until the circlip releases and the axle pulls free. ATF will drain from the opening. Completely remove the CV axle assembly from the vehicle.
   ⚠Do not pry against the seal or seal bore surface as this will damage the sealing surface.
5. 5

   Extract old axle seal
   Using a seal puller or slide hammer with seal adapter, extract the old axle seal from the transaxle housing. Hook the tool behind the metal case of the seal and pull straight out. If using pry bar method, work carefully around the perimeter to avoid damaging the bore.
   ⚠Do not gouge or scratch the seal bore in the transaxle housing. Damage to this surface will cause the new seal to leak.
6. 6

   Clean seal bore
   Thoroughly clean the seal bore in the transaxle housing using a wire brush and shop rags. Remove all old seal material, debris, and corrosion. Inspect the bore for damage, scoring, or excessive wear. The surface must be smooth for proper seal seating.
7. 7

   Inspect CV axle seal surface
   Inspect the sealing surface on the CV axle inner stub shaft for grooves, pitting, or damage. Check that the circlip is present and properly seated in its groove on the inner CV joint. Replace circlip if worn or damaged.
   ℹ️A damaged or worn seal surface on the axle will cause premature seal failure even with a new seal installed.
8. 8

   Install new axle seal
   Lightly coat the outer diameter of the new seal with ATF. Position the seal squarely in the bore with the spring side (lip) facing inward toward the transmission fluid. Using a seal driver or appropriately sized socket that contacts only the outer metal edge of the seal, drive the seal in evenly until fully seated and flush with the housing face.
   ⚠Do not strike the seal face or inner rubber portion. Drive only on the outer metal case. Uneven installation will cause leaks.
9. 9

   Reinstall CV axle into transaxle
   Coat the seal lip with fresh ATF. Align the splines on the inner CV joint with the differential side gears. Push the axle straight in until the circlip engages with a audible click. Tug outward on the axle to verify the circlip has properly seated and the axle will not pull out.
10. 10

    Install outer CV joint to hub
    Guide the outer CV axle shaft through the hub bearing, ensuring the splines align properly. Push or tap gently until the shaft is fully seated through the bearing and the threads extend beyond the hub face.
11. 11

    Install and torque axle nut
    Install the axle washer (if equipped) and new axle nut onto the axle shaft. With vehicle still on jack stands, hand-tighten the nut fully. Lower vehicle to ground with wheel installed and lug nuts hand-tight. Apply brake and torque axle nut to specification. If staked type, stake the nut collar into the axle groove using a chisel. If cotter pin type, install new cotter pin and bend ends.
    ⚠Axle nut must be torqued with vehicle on ground and brakes applied to prevent hub rotation.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install wheel and torque lug nuts
    Install wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Add transmission fluid
    Check the transmission fluid level using the dipstick or fill plug (depending on model year). Add Toyota WS ATF as needed to restore proper level. Approximately 0.5-1.0 quarts will have drained during axle removal.

Reassembly

1. Ensure axle nut is properly staked or cotter pin is installed and secured
2. Verify CV axle circlip has properly engaged by attempting to pull axle outward
3. Double-check all torque specifications have been met
4. Clean any spilled transmission fluid from undercarriage and transaxle exterior

Verification

• Start engine and shift through all gear positions to circulate ATF and verify proper transmission operation
• Check for ATF leaks around the new axle seal with engine running and vehicle in drive (wheels chocked)
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth operation with no clicking, vibration, or unusual noises from the CV axle
• Re-check transmission fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• After 50-100 miles, re-inspect axle seal area for any signs of leakage

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