How to Replace CV Axles on a '95 Toyota Camry

The 1995 Toyota Camry, like all other front-wheel drive vehicles, uses constant velocity (CV) axles as the driveshafts on a front wheel drive car. The CV axle delivers the power from the engine and transmission to the wheels. They allow the drive shafts to articulate while they are turning. When they begin to fail, they will emit a clicking sound in a turn. The most common reason for CV axle failure is a broken CV axle boot, which allows the grease to escape so that the joints run dry with no lubrication.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Set of 1/2-inch sockets
• Pry bar
• Ratchet
• ½-inch air gun
• Drip pan
• Hammer

1. • 1

     Jack the front of the car up and support on jack stands. Remove the front wheels. Turn the ignition key just enough to unlock the steering wheel. Remove the cotter pin and large axle nut retainer in the center of the rotor.

   • 2

     Remove the two large bolts and nuts attaching the strut to the spindle. Push in on the CV axle where it protrudes through the center of the rotor and make sure it is loose enough to push out. If it is difficult to push out, reinstall the axle nut upside down for just five or six threads, then tap it with a hammer to encourage the CV axle to come out of the hub.

   • 3

     Turn the steering outward with the steering wheel (if working on the driver's side, turn the wheel to the left). This gives you sufficient room to remove the axle. The passenger side should be turned to the right to give you room to pull the passenger side axle out.

   • 4

     Remove the axle nut (if used to bang the axle out) and grab the extension of the spindle above the rotor. Pull it down and toward you as you grab the CV axle and withdraw it from the hub. Put a drip pan under the CV joint at the point it enters the transmission, in case there is any fluid loss. Place the head of the pry bar between the transmission and the CV joint. With a quick snap of the pry bar, separate the CV joint from the transmission. There is a small circlip on the end of the CV joint that keeps it in place. Prying it with a quick snap will overcome the friction of the circlip, and the CV joint will pop out.

   • 5

     Install the new CV axle by inserting the axle end first. It will go in as far as the circlip. Back it out ever so slightly--about ½ an inch--and sharply shove it in past the circlip. Grab the spindle at the extension above the rotor with the holes for the strut and, while pulling down and toward you, install the outer end of the CV joint. To do this easily, bend the CV joint toward the hole in the rotor and push into the hole while rotating the rotor to line up the splines.

   • 6

     Install the retaining nut. While lifting up on the hub and rotor assembly, push the top of the spindle with the holes in it into the strut and insert the bolts and nuts. Tighten them securely. Torque the large retaining nut to 200 foot pounds. Repeat the same procedure with the other side. Reinstall wheels and let the car off the jacks.