How to Replace CV Axle Passenger Side 92-01 Toyota Camry

Difficulty: Advanced · About 100 min · Toyota Camry

Replace the passenger side CV axle, including the snap ring at the differential, on a 1992-2001 Toyota Camry.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Raise the car at the pinch weld and support it at the frame rail just ahead of the rear control arm (repeat on the other side so it sits level), then remove the hub cap, lug nuts and wheel.

2. Loosen the axle nut

   Straighten and pull the cotter pin, remove the lock cover, brace the hub with a pry bar, break the nut loose with a 30mm socket and breaker bar, then leave it threaded on loosely and tap the axle with a hammer.

3. Separate the axle from the spindle

   Remove the ABS retainer, break the two 22mm strut nuts loose, tap their bolts out with a punch and hammer, pull the spindle down off the strut, then pull the axle out.

4. Remove the axle from the differential

   With a drain pan ready, remove the 14mm bearing retainer bolt, squeeze the snap ring's tabs together, work two pry bars in at 3 and 9 o'clock to apply even pressure, then ease the snap ring free and pull the axle out.

5. Install the new axle at the differential

   Align its splines, work it in, fit the snap ring around it with its ears aligned, then torque the 14mm retaining bolt to about 24 ft-lb.

6. Reinstall the spindle and axle nut

   Line up the splines into the hub, start the axle nut, refit the 22mm strut bolts and torque them to about 156 ft-lb, then reconnect the ABS retainer and tighten the axle nut with a 32mm socket.

7. Reinstall the wheel

   Torque the lug nuts to about 76 ft-lb in a crossing pattern with partial weight down, lower fully, torque the axle nut to about 217 ft-lb, fit a new cotter pin and the lock cap, then refit the hub cap.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.