Replace the inner CV boot on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla 1.8L to prevent axle contamination and joint failure.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner CV boot kit with clamps and grease × 1 — Use OEM specification
• New axle nut × 1 — 90178-51039 or equivalent
• Cotter pin (if applicable to your model) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen axle nut while vehicle is still on the ground (may require breaking torque with breaker bar)
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-approved lift points
5. Remove wheel completely
6. Place drain pan under work area to catch any transmission fluid that may drip

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   Remove the axle nut completely. If staked, use a punch to unstake the nut first. If using a cotter pin, remove and discard the cotter pin before removing the nut. Set aside the old nut as it must be replaced.
2. 2

   Disconnect CV axle from transmission
   Locate the six CV bolts that connect the inner CV joint to the intermediate shaft or transmission flange. Remove all six bolts using a 14mm socket. Support the axle to prevent it from falling. You may need to rotate the hub/wheel to access all bolts.
3. 3

   Remove axle from hub
   Pull the outer CV joint and axle out of the hub assembly. If the axle is stuck, tap the end with a plastic mallet or use a brass drift. Do not damage the hub threads. Once free, carefully remove the entire axle assembly from the vehicle.
4. 4

   Secure axle for boot replacement
   Mount the axle in a soft-jaw vise or on a clean workbench. Position it so the inner CV joint is accessible. Clean the outer area of the inner CV joint housing with shop rags.
5. 5

   Remove old inner boot
   Cut off the inner boot clamps using side cutters or a boot band removal tool. Slide the old boot toward the outer joint to expose the inner CV joint. Wipe away old grease from the joint and housing with shop rags. Inspect the CV joint for wear or damage - if damaged, the entire axle should be replaced.
   ⚠Inspect the CV joint carefully. If the balls, cage, or races show pitting or wear, replace the entire axle assembly.
6. 6

   Clean and inspect CV joint
   Thoroughly clean the inner CV joint, shaft, and boot seating areas with solvent and shop rags. Inspect all CV joint components for wear, scoring, or corrosion. The joint should move smoothly without binding or excessive play. Remove all old grease residue.
7. 7

   Install new boot and clamps
   Slide the new small boot clamp onto the axle shaft, then slide the new boot onto the shaft with the small end first. Position the small end of the boot in the groove on the axle shaft. Install and tighten the small clamp using the boot clamp pliers or appropriate tool until secure.
8. 8

   Pack CV joint with grease
   Pack the inner CV joint with the grease provided in the boot kit (typically 100-120 grams). Work grease into all areas of the joint, between the balls and races. Also add grease inside the boot itself. Ensure the joint is completely filled per kit instructions.
9. 9

   Seat and secure boot
   Slide the large end of the boot over the CV joint housing and seat it properly in the housing groove. Burp the boot by lifting the edge slightly to release trapped air and equalize pressure. Install the large boot clamp and tighten securely using the boot clamp pliers. Verify both clamps are tight and the boot is properly seated.
10. 10

    Reinstall axle to transmission
    Carefully guide the axle assembly back into position. Insert the outer CV joint into the wheel hub first. Align the inner CV joint with the intermediate shaft or transmission flange. Install all six CV bolts hand-tight, then torque to specification in a crisscross pattern.
    ⚠Ensure the inner CV joint is properly aligned before tightening bolts to avoid damaging the splines.
    Torque spec

    CV Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new axle nut
    Install the new axle nut onto the axle shaft threads. Hand-tighten as much as possible. Use a pry bar in the brake rotor vanes or have an assistant apply the brakes to prevent rotation. Torque the axle nut to specification. If the nut requires staking, use a punch to stake the nut collar into the axle groove. If using a cotter pin, install a new cotter pin and bend the ends.
    ⚠The axle nut must be replaced with a new one. Do not reuse the old nut.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the wheel onto the hub and install all lug nuts hand-tight. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground to prevent rotation. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check that the axle nut is properly staked or has a new cotter pin installed
2. Verify all CV bolts are torqued to specification
3. Ensure no tools or parts are left in the wheel well or under the vehicle
4. Clean any spilled grease from suspension components and brake parts

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no clicking, popping, or vibration from the repaired axle
• Turn the steering wheel full lock in both directions while driving slowly to verify proper CV joint operation
• Inspect the new boot after test drive for any signs of grease leakage or improper seating
• Check that the axle nut remains tight and properly secured
• Verify no transmission fluid leakage from the inner CV joint area

More procedures for this vehicle