Replace the inner CV boot on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L FWD to prevent axle joint contamination and failure.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner CV boot kit with clamps × 1 — Use OEM or quality aftermarket CV boot kit
• CV joint grease × 1 — Typically included in boot kit
• Axle nut × 1 — 90179-36022 or equivalent - one-time use
• New cotter pin or stake washer × 1 — As specified by axle nut type

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground but do not remove
3. Loosen axle nut while wheel is on ground using breaker bar (30mm or 32mm socket) - this requires significant force
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly
6. Remove axle nut completely and set aside (new nut required for reassembly)

Procedure

1. 1

   Separate inner CV joint from transaxle
   Locate the six CV joint bolts connecting the inner tripod joint to the transaxle stub shaft. Mark the position of the CV joint to the stub shaft for proper alignment during reassembly. Remove all six bolts and carefully pull the inner CV joint away from the transaxle. Support the axle shaft to prevent strain on the outer CV joint. Have a drain pan ready as some transmission fluid may drip.
   Torque spec

   CV Joint Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove old inner CV boot clamps
   Using boot clamp pliers or side cutters, carefully cut and remove both clamps securing the inner CV boot (one at the tripod housing end, one at the axle shaft end). Take care not to damage the axle shaft surface. Slide the old boot toward the center of the shaft to access the tripod joint.
   ⚠Sharp edges on cut clamps can cause injury. Handle carefully and dispose of properly.
3. 3

   Remove tripod joint from axle shaft
   Wipe away old grease from the tripod joint to expose the snap ring. Using snap ring pliers, remove the snap ring from the groove on the axle shaft. Mark the orientation of the tripod to the shaft with a paint marker. The tripod may be tight on the shaft - use a brass punch and hammer to gently tap the tripod assembly off the splines. Remove the old boot completely from the shaft.
   ℹ️The tripod joint must be reinstalled in the same orientation to maintain balance. Mark clearly before removal.
4. 4

   Clean and inspect components
   Thoroughly clean the axle shaft splines, tripod joint, and inner CV housing with clean rags and degreaser if necessary. Inspect the tripod bearings for wear, pitting, or scoring. Check the axle shaft for any damage. Inspect the inner CV housing for wear in the tripod roller tracks. Replace the entire axle if any component shows significant wear.
   ⚠Any contamination or debris in the new boot will cause rapid joint failure. Ensure all surfaces are completely clean.
5. 5

   Install new inner CV boot
   Slide the small boot clamp onto the axle shaft first, followed by the new inner CV boot with the small end toward the center of the shaft. Ensure the boot is positioned correctly and not twisted. Do not clamp yet.
6. 6

   Reinstall tripod joint
   Apply a light coat of CV grease to the axle shaft splines. Align the tripod joint with the orientation marks made during disassembly. Slide the tripod onto the shaft, ensuring proper spline engagement. The tripod should slide on smoothly - if excessive force is needed, check alignment. Install the new snap ring into the groove on the axle shaft, ensuring it is fully seated in the groove.
7. 7

   Pack CV joint with grease
   Pack approximately half of the grease supplied in the boot kit into the tripod bearing rollers and housing. Slide the inner CV housing over the tripod joint. Pack the remaining grease into the boot and around the joint. The boot should be about 60-70% full of grease. Ensure grease is distributed evenly around the joint.
   ℹ️Use only the grease supplied with the boot kit or specified by the manufacturer. Wrong grease types can damage CV joints.
8. 8

   Position and secure boot clamps
   Slide the boot fully onto both the axle shaft and the inner CV housing. Ensure the boot is not twisted and sits properly in both grooves. Position the axle at normal ride height angle (not fully extended or compressed). Install the small clamp on the axle shaft end and crimp securely using the boot clamp tool. Install the large clamp on the housing end and crimp securely. Verify both clamps are tight and the boot can move slightly but not slip.
9. 9

   Reconnect inner CV joint to transaxle
   Align the inner CV joint with the transaxle stub shaft, matching the marks made during disassembly. Push the joint fully onto the stub shaft. Install all six CV joint bolts and tighten in a star pattern to proper torque specification. Ensure the joint is fully seated before final torquing.
   ℹ️Tighten CV joint bolts in a star pattern to ensure even clamping force and proper seating.
   Torque spec

   CV Joint Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new axle nut
    Clean the axle threads and hub splines. Install the new axle nut and tighten by hand as much as possible. The final torque will be applied with the wheel on the ground. If using a staked nut, ensure the stake washer is properly positioned.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Install wheel and tire assembly, starting lug nuts by hand
2. Lower vehicle until tire just touches ground (weight not fully on tire)
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern
4. Lower vehicle completely to ground
5. Apply final torque to axle nut (250 Nm/184 lb-ft) using torque wrench
6. Install new cotter pin through axle nut castle slots and bend ends, or stake the axle nut collar into the shaft groove as applicable
7. Verify the axle nut is properly secured and cannot loosen

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or clicking from CV joints
• Test drive vehicle at low speed, making gentle turns in both directions
• Listen for any clicking, popping, or grinding noises from the CV joint area
• After test drive, inspect the new boot for any signs of leaking grease or improper seating
• Check that boot clamps are still tight and boot has not shifted position
• Verify axle nut remains tight and cotter pin or stake is properly installed

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