Replace both front CV axles on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla 1.8L FWD, including removal of old axles from transmission and hub assemblies, and installation of new axles with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front CV axle assembly - driver side × 1 — Use OEM or quality aftermarket
• Front CV axle assembly - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM or quality aftermarket
• Axle nut cotter pins or new axle nuts if staked type × 2 — 90179-06060 or equivalent
• Ball joint nut cotter pin × 2 — 90179-06049 or equivalent

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. With vehicle on ground, loosen but do not remove front axle nuts using breaker bar or impact wrench (30mm or 32mm socket)
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at designated lift points
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Remove front axle nuts completely and set aside (do not reuse if staked type)

Procedure

1. 1

   Separate lower ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint nut. Using a 17mm socket, loosen and remove the ball joint nut. Use a ball joint separator or carefully positioned pry bar to separate the lower control arm ball joint from the steering knuckle. Avoid damaging the ball joint boot.
2. 2

   Remove CV axle from hub assembly - driver side
   Push the steering knuckle outward while pulling the CV axle shaft out of the hub assembly. If the axle is stuck in the hub, use a brass drift and hammer to tap it out from behind. The axle should slide out of the splined hub bearing once the axle nut is removed and ball joint is separated.
   ⚠Do not use excessive force or strike the axle directly as this can damage the wheel bearing or CV joint.
3. 3

   Remove CV axle from transmission - driver side
   Position drain pan under transmission to catch fluid. Using a pry bar between the inner CV joint housing and transmission case, carefully pry the axle out of the differential. The axle will pop out with the circlip once enough force is applied. Pull the entire axle assembly out from under the vehicle.
   ⚠Pry only against the inner CV joint housing, not the axle shaft itself. Avoid damaging the transmission seal during removal.
4. 4

   Remove CV axle from hub assembly - passenger side
   Repeat the separation process for the passenger side. Push the steering knuckle outward while pulling the CV axle shaft out of the hub assembly on the passenger side.
5. 5

   Remove CV axle from transmission - passenger side
   Position drain pan under transmission. Using a pry bar, carefully pry the passenger side axle out of the differential in the same manner as the driver side. Remove the entire axle assembly from under the vehicle. Inspect both transmission seals for damage.
6. 6

   Clean and inspect transmission seal area
   Clean the differential seal area with a wire brush and shop towel. Inspect both transmission seals for cuts, tears, or damage. Replace seals if any damage is found. Ensure no debris enters the transmission opening during this process.
7. 7

   Install new CV axle - driver side
   Ensure the new axle circlip is properly seated in the groove on the inner CV joint. Align the splines and push the inner CV joint into the transmission differential until the circlip clicks into place. Give the axle a firm tug outward to verify the circlip is engaged. Insert the outer end of the axle into the hub bearing, aligning the splines.
   ℹ️The axle must click into place in the transmission. If it does not engage, remove and inspect the circlip.
8. 8

   Install new CV axle - passenger side
   Repeat the installation process for the passenger side axle. Ensure the circlip clicks into place in the transmission and the outer splines are fully inserted into the hub bearing.
9. 9

   Reconnect lower ball joints
   Position the lower control arm ball joint stud into the steering knuckle on both sides. Install the ball joint nuts and torque to specification. Install new cotter pins through the castle nut slots and bend to secure. Ensure cotter pins are fully seated and bent properly.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new axle nuts
    Thread the new axle nuts onto the axle shafts by hand. Do not torque at this time. If using staked-type nuts, ensure you have new nuts as the staking will deform the nut. If using cotter pin type, have new cotter pins ready for final torquing.
11. 11

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. This allows the axle to be held while torquing.
12. 12

    Torque axle nuts and wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle weight partially on the ground and brakes applied, torque both front axle nuts to specification using a torque wrench. For staked-type nuts, use a punch and hammer to stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove. For cotter pin type, install new cotter pins and bend securely. Fully lower the vehicle and torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    ⚠Axle nut must be torqued with wheel on ground to prevent bearing damage. Apply brake or have assistant hold brake pedal during torquing.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Check and top off transmission fluid
    Check the transmission fluid level through the dipstick (if equipped) or fill plug. Add Toyota WS ATF as needed to bring the level to the proper mark. Start the engine, shift through all gears, and recheck the fluid level with the engine at operating temperature.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification including axle nuts, ball joint nuts, and wheel lug nuts
2. Verify axle nuts are properly secured with new cotter pins or staking as applicable
3. Confirm transmission fluid is at proper level after test drive

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle and listen for any clicking, popping, or grinding noises from the CV joints during turns
• Check for vibration at various speeds which could indicate improper axle installation or imbalance
• Inspect for transmission fluid leaks around both axle seals after test drive
• Verify no play exists in the axle by attempting to move it in and out of the transmission while vehicle is raised
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle