How to Replace Driver Side CV Axle Shaft 02-09 Toyota Camry

Difficulty: Advanced · About 100 min · Toyota Camry

Replace the driver side CV axle shaft, including separating the tie rod, on a 2002-2009 Toyota Camry.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Loosen the 21mm lug nuts with the car on the ground, then raise and support it and pull the wheel.

2. Loosen the axle nut

   Tap a punch into it to break it free, have an assistant hold the brakes, loosen it with a 30mm 12-point socket, then thread it back on a few turns.

3. Separate the tie rod

   Straighten and remove the castle nut's cotter pin, loosen the nut with a 17mm wrench, separate the ball joint with a separator tool, then pull the tie rod out of the knuckle.

4. Remove the old axle

   Remove the control arm's three 17mm bolts and pull it off the knuckle, tap the axle out of the knuckle, remove the axle nut fully, then with a drain pan ready, pry the axle out of the transmission.

5. Install the new axle

   Seat it in the transmission, tapping it in with a dead blow mallet, insert it into the knuckle, hand-tighten the axle nut, reconnect the control arm and torque its 17mm bolts to about 55 ft-lb.

6. Reconnect the tie rod

   Seat it in the knuckle, tighten the castle nut, fit a new cotter pin and bend it over.

7. Torque the axle nut and reinstall the wheel

   With an assistant holding the brakes, torque the axle nut to about 217 ft-lb and stake it with a punch, then torque the lug nuts to about 76 ft-lb in a crossing pattern and refit the center cap.

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