Replace the outer CV boot on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla 1.8L to prevent contamination and damage to the CV joint.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer CV boot kit with clamps and grease × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (if staked type) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• CV joint grease (if not included in kit) × 1 — Moly grease, 150-200g

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Loosen axle nut while vehicle is on ground (have assistant apply brakes or use breaker bar with vehicle in park)
4. Raise and secure front of vehicle on jack stands at proper lift points
5. Remove wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut and prepare suspension
   Remove the axle nut completely. Remove the cotter pin if equipped, or unstake the nut using a hammer and punch. Set aside old nut if it is the staked type, as a new one will be required.
2. 2

   Separate lower ball joint or tie rod
   To gain clearance to angle the axle downward, remove the lower ball joint pinch bolt or separate the outer tie rod end. For most Corollas, removing the two bolts connecting the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle provides best access. Support the lower control arm to prevent strain.
   ⚠Do not allow suspension to hang freely, as this can damage brake lines or ABS wiring.
3. 3

   Push axle inward and angle hub assembly
   Push the axle shaft inward through the hub bearing while angling the steering knuckle outward and downward. You may need to tap the end of the axle with a rubber mallet. This creates space to access the outer CV joint. Support the axle shaft to prevent it from hanging on the inner CV joint.
4. 4

   Remove old CV boot clamps
   Use side cutters or boot clamp pliers to cut and remove both clamps securing the outer CV boot (one at the CV joint end, one at the shaft end). Slide the old boot away from the CV joint toward the center of the axle shaft.
5. 5

   Mark CV joint orientation
   Before removing the CV joint, mark the orientation of the outer race to the axle shaft using paint or a scribe. This ensures proper reassembly alignment and maintains balance.
6. 6

   Remove outer CV joint from shaft
   Using a brass drift or rubber mallet, tap the inner race of the CV joint to drive it off the axle shaft. The joint is retained by a snap ring or circlip. Once you overcome the snap ring tension, the joint will slide off. Keep the CV joint level to prevent the ball bearings from falling out.
   ⚠Do not strike the outer race or cage directly, as this can damage the CV joint bearing surfaces.
7. 7

   Clean axle shaft and inspect CV joint
   Remove the old boot completely from the shaft. Clean the axle shaft thoroughly with solvent and a wire brush, removing all old grease and debris. Inspect the CV joint for wear, pitting, or damage. If the joint shows excessive wear or clicking was present, the joint must be replaced, not just re-booted. Clean the CV joint if reusing.
8. 8

   Install new boot and pack CV joint
   Slide the new boot onto the axle shaft with the small clamp positioned at the shaft groove. Pack the CV joint with the grease supplied in the boot kit (typically 120-180g). Distribute grease evenly into all bearing races. Also apply grease inside the new boot.
9. 9

   Reinstall CV joint to shaft
   Align the CV joint to the shaft using your orientation marks. Tap the joint onto the shaft using a rubber mallet until the snap ring seats with an audible click. Verify the joint is fully seated by attempting to pull it off the shaft.
10. 10

    Position boot and install clamps
    Slide the boot over the CV joint and ensure it seats properly in both grooves (shaft groove and CV joint groove). Ensure no air is trapped by equalizing pressure. Install the small clamp at the shaft end first, then the large clamp at the CV joint end. Tighten clamps securely using the proper clamp tool. Crimp-type clamps should be compressed until tabs lock, band-type clamps should be tightened and bent over.
11. 11

    Reinstall axle into hub
    Guide the axle shaft back through the hub bearing, ensuring the splines align. You may need to rotate the hub slightly. Push the axle fully through until the threaded end protrudes sufficiently for the axle nut.
12. 12

    Reconnect suspension components
    Reinstall the lower ball joint bolts or tie rod end that was separated earlier. Torque bolts to manufacturer specifications (typically 26 Nm for mounting bolts).
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install and torque axle nut
    Install a new axle nut (if staked type was used). Thread the nut on by hand, then use a torque wrench to tighten to exactly 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Have an assistant apply the brakes or use the parking brake to prevent rotation. After torquing, stake the nut using a hammer and punch to deform the collar into the axle shaft groove, or install a new cotter pin if that type is used.
    ⚠Axle nut must be properly staked or pinned. Failure to do so can result in nut loosening and loss of vehicle control.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all suspension bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify axle nut is properly staked or pinned and cannot rotate
3. Check that CV boot is not twisted and sits properly in both grooves

Verification

• Test drive vehicle and listen for clicking or popping sounds during turns, which would indicate improper CV joint installation
• Inspect CV boot after test drive for any signs of grease leakage or improper seating
• Turn steering wheel full lock in both directions while slowly moving to verify smooth operation
• Visually inspect boot clamps to ensure they remain secure and properly positioned

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