How to Replace CV Joints

1. Break the lug nuts loose on the wheel by turning them a quarter turn counterclockwise.
2. Put the emergency brake on and raise the vehicle onto jack stands. Put the floor jack under the front jack point and jack up on the vehicle. Place a jack stand under each of the front pinch welds and lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.
3. Finish removing the lug nuts and pull the wheels off.
4. Take the spindle nut off. Use an impact wrench with a spindle nut socket attachment for this.
5. Remove the top and bottom caliper mounting bolts.
6. Secure the caliper to the coil springs above the brake assembly.
7. Remove the brake rotor.
8. Pull the cotter pin out of the shaft bolt using pliers.
9. Remove the driveshaft nut. Use an impact wrench for this, as the nut is on too tight to remove with hand tools. Depending on your vehicle, you may or may not need a special tool for this.
10. Loosen and remove the tie rod bolt with the socket wrench.
11. Remove the sway bar bolt and move the sway bar assembly out of the way.
12. Remove the tie rod bolt with a socket wrench, and move the steering knuckle and hub out of the way.
13. Pull the CV shaft out of the transmission or transaxle.
14. Install the new axle. Installation is the reverse of removal.