How to Replace a CV on a Toyota Pickup

Constant velocity joints on your Toyota Pickup are designed to transfer power from the transmission to the wheels. CV joints are also referred to as drive axles or simply, axles. CV joints wear over time and make a distinctive clicking sound when turning. When you hear your axles making this sound, make sure to replace them immediately to ensure that your pickup is safe to drive.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Ratchet
• Sockets
• Long breaker bar
• Lug nut wrench
• Needle nose pliers
• Ball joint separator
• Hammer
• Pry bar
• CV joint (drive axle)
• Torque wrench

1. • 1

     Pry the hubcap from the wheel with a screwdriver.

   • 2

     Loosen the axle nut from the axle with an impact gun. If you don't have an impact gun, you can also use a long breaker bar. The axle nut is held on very tightly; the longer the breaker bar, the easier it will be to remove the axle nut.

   • 3

     Jack up the Toyota Pickup and place it on jack stands.

   • 4

     Remove the wheels with a lug nut wrench.

   • 5

     Remove the cotter pin from the castle nut with needle nose pliers.

   • 6

     Remove the castle nut from the bottom of the ball joint with a ratchet.

   • 7

     Separate the steering knuckle from the lower control arm with a ball joint separator. Place the ball joint separator between the lower control arm and the steering knuckle, and use a hammer to hit the end of the ball joint separator until the ball joint breaks free.

   • 8

     Pull the steering knuckle back and remove the axle from it.

   • 9

     Pry between the transmission case and the axle with a pry bar until the axle breaks free. Pull the axle out of the Toyota Pickup.

   • 10

     Place the new axle into the transmission and route it through the steering knuckle.

   • 11

     Tighten the axle nut with a ratchet.

   • 12

     Place the ball joint through the lower control arm and tighten the castle nut with a ratchet.

   • 13

     Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and twist it with needle nose pliers to ensure that it stays in place.

   • 14

     Reinstall the wheel and lower the Toyota Pickup.

   • 15

     Tighten the axle nut to 120 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

   • 16

     Reinstall the hubcap.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have a breaker bar, you can use a 1.5-inch diameter steel pipe approximately 6-feet long to remove the axle nut. Place the steel pipe over a long ratchet and loosen the nut; it will come off easily.

• Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from injury.