Replace the outer CV boot on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 to prevent contamination and restore axle protection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer CV boot kit with clamps and grease × 1 — Use OEM specification
• New axle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• New cotter pin or staking washer × 1 — Depends on axle nut type

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
3. Using a breaker bar, loosen but do not remove the axle nut while vehicle is still on ground with brake applied
4. Raise and support vehicle securely on jack stands
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   With vehicle raised and wheel removed, completely remove the previously loosened axle nut. Remove and discard the cotter pin or unstake the nut as applicable. Keep axle nut for reference but plan to replace with new one during reassembly.
2. 2

   Separate outer CV joint from hub
   Push the axle shaft inward through the hub bearing to break it free. You may need to tap the end of the axle with a rubber mallet while pulling the hub/knuckle assembly outward. The axle should push through the hub bearing assembly.
3. 3

   Support axle shaft
   Once the outer CV joint is free from the hub, support the axle shaft with wire or a bungee cord to prevent it from hanging and damaging the inner CV joint or transmission seal. Do not let the shaft hang by the inner joint.
   ⚠Allowing the axle to hang freely can damage the inner CV joint or pull the inner tripod joint out of the transmission.
4. 4

   Remove old outer CV boot clamps
   Use wire cutters or side cutters to cut and remove both the large and small clamps securing the outer CV boot. Remove the old boot by sliding it off the axle shaft toward the inner joint.
5. 5

   Clean outer CV joint
   Thoroughly clean the outer CV joint housing, ball bearings, and cage using degreaser and shop rags. Inspect the joint for wear, pitting, or damage. Check that all balls move smoothly in their races. Replace the entire axle assembly if joint shows wear or damage.
   ℹ️If the CV joint shows any signs of damage, clicking, or excessive wear, replace the entire axle shaft rather than just the boot.
6. 6

   Clean axle shaft
   Clean the axle shaft surface where the new boot will seat. Remove all old grease, dirt, and debris. Ensure the shaft is smooth with no burrs or damage that could tear the new boot.
7. 7

   Install new outer CV boot
   Slide the small clamp onto the axle shaft first, followed by the new outer CV boot. Position the small end of the boot onto the axle shaft in the correct groove. Install the small clamp but do not fully tighten yet.
8. 8

   Pack CV joint with grease
   Pack the outer CV joint completely with the grease provided in the boot kit. Ensure grease fills all voids between the balls and races. Place any remaining grease inside the boot cavity. The joint must be fully packed to prevent premature wear.
9. 9

   Seat and clamp outer boot
   Slide the large end of the boot over the outer CV joint housing and seat it in the groove. Ensure boot is not twisted. Slide the large clamp into position. Before tightening clamps, equalize air pressure by inserting a flat screwdriver between boot and housing to burp trapped air. Tighten both small and large clamps using CV boot clamp pliers or banding tool according to tool instructions.
10. 10

    Reinstall outer CV joint into hub
    Remove support from axle shaft. Carefully guide the outer CV joint splines back through the hub bearing. Ensure the joint fully engages and seats properly in the hub. You may need to rotate the axle slightly to align splines.
11. 11

    Install new axle nut
    Install the new axle nut onto the axle shaft and hand-tighten. Do not fully torque at this time as the wheel must be installed first and vehicle lowered to prevent hub rotation.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and tire assembly. Thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern but do not fully torque. Lower vehicle until tire contacts ground but vehicle weight is not fully on suspension.
13. 13

    Torque axle nut and wheel lug nuts
    With vehicle weight preventing hub rotation, torque the axle nut to specification. Install new cotter pin and bend ends, or stake the nut as applicable to your axle nut type. Fully lower vehicle to ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure the CV boot is properly seated in both grooves and clamps are tight with no leaks
2. Verify axle nut is properly torqued and secured with cotter pin or staked
3. Check that wheel lug nuts are torqued in proper star pattern

Verification

• Test drive vehicle and listen for clicking noises during turns which would indicate CV joint damage
• After test drive, inspect the new boot for any signs of grease leakage
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Visually inspect boot condition at next oil change interval

More procedures for this vehicle