Remove and replace the front CV axle assembly, including disconnecting the axle from the wheel hub and transaxle, and installing a new axle with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• CV Axle Assembly (Left or Right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle Nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter Pin (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen axle nut with 30mm/32mm socket and breaker bar while vehicle is on ground with wheels chocked (do not remove nut completely)
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly
6. Place drain pan under transaxle to catch escaping ATF

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   With vehicle raised and wheel removed, completely remove the previously loosened 30mm/32mm axle nut from the end of the CV axle. If nut was staked, use chisel to unstake collar before removal. Discard old nut as a new one must be used during reinstallation.
2. 2

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the lower ball joint nut or pinch bolt (configuration varies by model year). For pinch bolt type, remove the bolt securing the ball joint to the steering knuckle. For castle nut type, remove cotter pin and castle nut, then use ball joint separator to press ball joint out of knuckle. Support lower control arm to prevent dropping.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut97 Nm (71 lb-ft)

   Ball Joint Pinch Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect axle from wheel hub
   Push the axle shaft out of the wheel hub/bearing assembly. If stuck, use a brass drift or CV axle puller to press the splined shaft out of the hub. Do not strike the shaft threads directly. Pull the knuckle assembly outward to create clearance for axle removal.
   ⚠Do not damage ABS sensor or hub bearing while separating axle from hub.
4. 4

   Remove inner CV joint from transaxle
   For tripod joint type (most common): Insert pry bar between inner CV joint housing and transaxle case. Pry firmly to disengage the circlip retaining the axle in the differential. Pull axle straight out. For bolted type: Remove the 6 bolts securing the inner CV joint flange to the intermediate shaft or differential using 14mm socket. Pull axle assembly away from transaxle.
   ⚠Use care when prying to avoid damaging transaxle case or oil seal. Transmission fluid will drain when axle is removed.
   Torque spec

   CV Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove CV axle assembly
   Maneuver the complete CV axle assembly out through the wheel well. This may require rotating the axle and working it past suspension components and subframe. Support the assembly to prevent damage to CV boots during removal.
6. 6

   Inspect transaxle seal and differential
   Inspect the transaxle oil seal for damage or leaking. If damaged, replace the seal before installing new axle. Check that the circlip groove in the differential is clean and undamaged. Verify no debris has entered the transaxle opening.
7. 7

   Install new CV axle into transaxle
   Ensure new circlip is properly seated on inner CV joint splines. Align the axle splines with the differential opening and push firmly until the circlip engages with an audible click. Pull outward on the axle to verify it is fully seated and retained. For bolted type: align the 6-bolt flange and hand-start all bolts before tightening.
   ⚠Verify circlip has fully engaged by pulling on axle. Insufficient engagement will cause axle to separate from transaxle during operation.
   Torque spec

   CV Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install outer CV joint into hub
   Guide the outer CV joint splines into the wheel hub bearing. Ensure splines are aligned and push the axle shaft fully into the hub. The axle should seat flush with no gap between the hub and CV joint.
9. 9

   Reconnect ball joint
   Position the lower ball joint into the steering knuckle. For pinch bolt type, install bolt and tighten to specification. For castle nut type, install new castle nut, tighten to specification, and install new cotter pin. Align castle nut slots with ball joint hole if needed by tightening further (never loosen to align).
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut97 Nm (71 lb-ft)

   Ball Joint Pinch Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install and torque axle nut
    Install new axle nut onto axle shaft threads. With vehicle still on jack stands and brakes not applied, tighten axle nut to 232 Nm (171 lb-ft). After torquing, stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove using chisel and hammer, or install new cotter pin if applicable. Verify nut is secure and will not loosen.
    ⚠A new axle nut must be used. Do not reuse old nut. Nut must be staked or pinned to prevent loosening.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut232 Nm (171 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install wheel and tire assembly. Hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground and torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Check transaxle fluid level and top off with Toyota WS ATF as needed to compensate for fluid lost during axle removal
2. Test drive vehicle and listen for unusual noises from CV joints or wheel bearings
3. Verify no transmission fluid leaks from axle seal after test drive

Verification

• Confirm axle nut is properly torqued and staked/pinned
• Verify no clicking, popping, or grinding noises when turning at slow speeds
• Check that transaxle fluid level is correct on dipstick or fill plug
• Inspect for any transmission fluid leaks around inner CV joint seal
• Verify wheel bearing has no play and rotates smoothly

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