How to replace a CV axle — Honda CR-V 2020

Tools you'll need

• Floor jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• 32 mm axle nut socket
• Breaker bar
• Ball joint separator
• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Torque wrench
• Drain pan

Parts you'll need

• New CV axle assembly (complete, with both joints)
• New axle nut
• New cotter pin
• Transmission fluid to top off

Steps

1. Loosen the lug nuts and axle nut on the groundPark on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. While the front wheel is still on the ground, break the lug nuts loose a half turn and crack the axle nut loose with a breaker bar. Remove the cotter pin from the axle nut first if yours has one.
2. Raise the car and remove the wheel and axle nutLift the front of the car with a floor jack and set it on jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and take the wheel off, then remove the axle nut completely.
3. Separate the lower ball jointSeparate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle so the knuckle can swing outward. You can use a ball joint separator, or loosen the nut and tap the knuckle with a hammer until the joint pops free.
   Tip: Leave the ball joint nut threaded on a few turns when you tap it, so the joint does not fly apart suddenly.
4. Free the outer joint from the hubPush the steering knuckle outward and pull the outer end of the CV axle out of the hub. Support the axle so it does not hang by the inner joint.
5. Pop the inner joint out of the transmissionPlace a drain pan under the transmission. Use a pry bar between the transmission case and the inner CV joint and pop the joint out with a firm, steady pull. Some transmission fluid will leak out.
   Tip: Pull straight out on the axle shaft, not at an angle, or the inner joint can come apart inside the boot.
6. Seat the new axle into the transmissionCompare the old and new axles side by side to confirm the length and splines match. Slide the new axle inner joint into the transmission and push firmly until the circlip clicks and the joint is fully seated. Give it a tug to confirm it is locked in.
   Tip: If the inner joint does not click in, rotate the axle a little and push again. It has to seat fully or it will pop out while you drive.
7. Refit the hub, ball joint, and axle nutGuide the outer end of the new axle into the hub, swing the knuckle back, and reconnect the lower ball joint. Fit the new axle nut and the cotter pin, then torque the axle nut to spec, usually about 134 ft-lb for this car.
8. Refit the wheel, top off the fluid, and test driveRefit the wheel, lower the car, and torque the lug nuts to spec. Top off the transmission fluid to replace what leaked out. Take a test drive and listen for clicking when you turn; a good axle is silent. Check under the car for any transmission fluid leak at the axle seal.

Safety first

Transmission fluid will leak out when you pull the axle from the transmission, so have a pan ready. Use jack stands and never work under a car held up by a jack alone. If you are not confident, have a qualified technician do this job.