This procedure covers removal and installation of the front CV axle (driveshaft) on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including hub and intermediate shaft disconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• CV axle assembly (left or right specific) × 1 — OEM Toyota or equivalent aftermarket
• Axle hub nut × 1 — 90178-T0001 or equivalent
• Lower ball joint nut (if removing ball joint) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. With vehicle on ground and brakes applied, use breaker bar to loosen but not remove the 32mm axle nut
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
7. Remove axle nut completely and set aside (new nut required for installation)

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect lower ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin (if equipped) and loosen the lower ball joint nut. You can either remove the nut completely and use a ball joint separator, or remove the pinch bolt if your model uses that configuration. For pinch bolt type, remove the bolt securing the ball joint to the steering knuckle and spread the knuckle slightly to release the ball joint.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut102 Nm (75 lb-ft)

   Ball Joint Pinch Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Separate outer CV joint from wheel hub
   With the ball joint disconnected, pull the steering knuckle outward. The outer CV joint splines should slide out of the wheel hub. If the CV axle is stuck in the hub, tap the end of the axle shaft with a rubber mallet or use a CV axle puller tool. Do not damage the threads on the axle shaft.
3. 3

   Support the axle and knuckle assembly
   Once the outer CV joint is free from the hub, support the knuckle assembly with wire or a bungee cord to prevent stress on the brake hose and ABS sensor wire. Do not let the knuckle hang by the brake line.
   ⚠Never allow the steering knuckle to hang unsupported as this can damage the brake hose or ABS sensor wiring.
4. 4

   Remove inner CV joint from transaxle
   Position a drain pan under the transaxle to catch any fluid spillage. Using a pry bar positioned against the transaxle case (not the CV joint boot), carefully pry the inner CV joint out of the differential. You should feel it pop free from the circlip. For the right side axle, the inner joint connects to an intermediate shaft bearing assembly - pull the axle straight out. Pull the entire axle assembly out from under the vehicle.
   ⚠Be careful not to damage the transaxle oil seal when removing the CV axle. Do not pry against the CV boot or it will tear.
5. 5

   Inspect transaxle seal and intermediate shaft
   With the axle removed, inspect the transaxle oil seal for damage or leakage. If the seal is damaged, it should be replaced now. Check the intermediate shaft (right side) for excessive play in the bearing. Clean the seal area and axle splines with a wire brush.
6. 6

   Install new CV axle into transaxle
   Apply a thin coat of clean ATF to the inner CV joint splines and seal contact area. Align the inner CV joint with the transaxle opening and push firmly until you hear and feel the circlip snap into place. Give the axle a firm pull outward to verify the circlip is seated properly. The axle should not pull out.
   ℹ️Ensure the circlip on the inner CV joint is properly seated. A CV axle that is not fully seated can pull out during operation.
7. 7

   Install outer CV joint into wheel hub
   Guide the outer CV joint splines into the wheel hub bore. You may need to rotate the axle slightly to align the splines. Push the knuckle assembly inward and ensure the CV joint splines are fully inserted into the hub. The shaft should protrude enough to install the axle nut.
8. 8

   Reconnect lower ball joint
   Position the lower ball joint into the steering knuckle. Install the pinch bolt (if equipped) or install the ball joint nut and tighten to specification. If using a castellated nut, align the slots with the cotter pin hole and install a new cotter pin.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut102 Nm (75 lb-ft)

   Ball Joint Pinch Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install and torque axle nut
   Install the NEW 32mm axle nut onto the axle shaft threads. Do not reuse the old axle nut. Thread it on by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a breaker bar and socket, tighten the axle nut while having an assistant apply the brakes, or wait until the wheel is installed and vehicle is on the ground. Torque to specification.
   ⚠A new axle nut must be used. The old nut loses its locking ability after removal and cannot be reused.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut294 Nm (217 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Stake the axle nut
    After torquing the axle nut to specification, use a punch and hammer to stake the nut collar into the groove on the axle shaft. This prevents the nut from loosening. Strike the nut collar in at least two places to deform it into the axle shaft groove.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut294 Nm (217 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground (weight still on jack stands). Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification in the order listed in the procedure
2. Always use a new axle nut and stake it properly after torquing
3. Ensure the inner CV joint circlip is fully seated in the transaxle by pulling outward on the axle
4. Install a new cotter pin in the ball joint nut if applicable to your model year

Verification

• Check transaxle fluid level and top off if necessary with Toyota WS ATF
• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel full lock left and right while stationary to check for CV joint binding or noise
• Test drive the vehicle and listen for clicking noises during turns, which would indicate improper installation or damaged CV joints
• After test drive, re-check axle nut torque and verify it is properly staked
• Inspect for any ATF leaks around the transaxle seal area

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