Replacing CV joints, DIY or no?
#1
Replacing CV joints, DIY or no?
I'm fairly mechanically inclined, I just don't have access to a whole lot of tools, just bare basics. Is this something I could probably do myself, or would I be better off getting fleeced by a mechanic?
#6
Contributing Member
Let's say you're doing driver's side. All bolt sizes are the wrench size
(Optional) put a jackstand under the passenger side rear frame to get better leverage
Put jack under a-arm, preferably under the balljoint
Jack up driver's side
Insert jackstand under frame for safety
Remove wheel
Remove manual hub or ADD plate
- If you have manual hubs, put them in "FREE" before unbolting anything
- To remove the cone washers, tap firmly on the end of the stud with a brass drift
Remove the 12mm bolt and big washer
Remove the circlip (snapring)
Get under truck, remove the 6 19mm (maybe they are 17mm) nuts
- Note, the bolt is a stud - only the nut side will turn!
- The "quick change" CV mod replaces these studs with regular bolts. Size should be M12-1.25x30mm.
Work the CV out
- Pry the diff end out over the studs, work that end down, should come out without tooooo much problem
While the CV is out, be sure to liberally grease the brass spindle bushing where the CV comes through the spindle.
Installation is reverse of removal.
(Optional) put a jackstand under the passenger side rear frame to get better leverage
Put jack under a-arm, preferably under the balljoint
Jack up driver's side
Insert jackstand under frame for safety
Remove wheel
Remove manual hub or ADD plate
- If you have manual hubs, put them in "FREE" before unbolting anything
- To remove the cone washers, tap firmly on the end of the stud with a brass drift
Remove the 12mm bolt and big washer
Remove the circlip (snapring)
Get under truck, remove the 6 19mm (maybe they are 17mm) nuts
- Note, the bolt is a stud - only the nut side will turn!
- The "quick change" CV mod replaces these studs with regular bolts. Size should be M12-1.25x30mm.
Work the CV out
- Pry the diff end out over the studs, work that end down, should come out without tooooo much problem
While the CV is out, be sure to liberally grease the brass spindle bushing where the CV comes through the spindle.
Installation is reverse of removal.
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#9
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I unbolted the lower ball joint(4 bolts). This let me move the spindle around more to get the flange passed the studs. I wouldn't consider this a complicated repair, but the 1st time can be a bit frustrating. This was, however, the 1st time I had ever replaced a CV axle.
#16
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Damn...oughtta be able to grab a couple used axles from a bone yard for $40 or so, hell, ya could prolly get the axles and some manu hubs, for under $100 if ya look hard enough
#19
Contributing Member
IMHO, there is NO and I mean NO reason to try to repair it. A boot kit is $20-$40. A rebuilt CV is $70 at Autozone with a lifetime warranty (after core return charge). Drop the old one out, pop the new one in, take the old one back and get your refund. I know people who have spent HOURS AND HOURS trying to get the joints apart to put the new boots on (they have newer Tacomas or FJs and the CVs are WAAAAY more expensive).
#20
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Whoa there! I assumed all along that you were just going to replace the halfshaft!
IMHO, there is NO and I mean NO reason to try to repair it. A boot kit is $20-$40. A rebuilt CV is $70 at Autozone with a lifetime warranty (after core return charge). Drop the old one out, pop the new one in, take the old one back and get your refund. I know people who have spent HOURS AND HOURS trying to get the joints apart to put the new boots on (they have newer Tacomas or FJs and the CVs are WAAAAY more expensive).
IMHO, there is NO and I mean NO reason to try to repair it. A boot kit is $20-$40. A rebuilt CV is $70 at Autozone with a lifetime warranty (after core return charge). Drop the old one out, pop the new one in, take the old one back and get your refund. I know people who have spent HOURS AND HOURS trying to get the joints apart to put the new boots on (they have newer Tacomas or FJs and the CVs are WAAAAY more expensive).