How to Replace CV Axle Shaft 86-07 Ford Taurus

Difficulty: Advanced · About 100 min · Ford Taurus

Replace a CV axle shaft on a 2000-2007 Ford Taurus, including disconnecting the tie rod and lower strut bolt.

Steps

1. Remove the center cap, hub nut and wheel

   Pry off the center cap, loosen the hub nut and lug nuts with the car on the ground, then raise and support it (or use air tools) and pull the wheel.

2. Disconnect the tie rod

   Remove its cotter pin, remove the 18mm tie rod end bolt, then separate it with a tie rod and ball joint puller.

3. Loosen the stabilizer link and lower strut bolt

   Soak the upper stabilizer link bolt and the strut's lower clamp bolt in penetrating oil, free the brake line bracket and the ABS sensor clip while they soak, then remove the stabilizer link with an 18mm and 10mm wrench, saving its bolt, and drive out the lower strut bolt with an 18mm wrench holding it, a 21mm socket on the nut, and a hammer.

4. Remove the old axle

   Pull the wiring and washer out of the way, pry the axle free of the hub, pull it out by hand, then pry the other end out of the differential, checking any leaking seals before fitting the new axle.

5. Install the new axle

   Seat the new axle fully in, push the suspension down and align the strut back into the steering knuckle, then jack it up to bring everything together and torque the lower strut bolt to about 100 ft-lb.

6. Reinstall the stabilizer link and tie rod

   Reclip the ABS bracket, tap the stabilizer link into the strut and tighten its bolt, then reconnect the tie rod end and torque it to about 50 ft-lb before fitting a new cotter pin.

7. Reassemble the wheel

   Refit the washer, hub nut, wheel and lug nuts, torque the hub nut to about 130 ft-lb, refit the center cap, then torque the lug nuts to about 80-100 ft-lb in a star pattern.

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