How to Replace Front Drivers CV Axle 06-12 Toyota RAV4
Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Toyota Rav4
Replace the front driver's side CV axle on a 2006-2012 Toyota RAV4.
Tools you will need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Ratchet
- 17mm socket
- 21mm socket
- 30mm 12-point socket
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Center punch
- Torque wrench
- 1/2 inch breaker bar
- Drain pan
Parts and supplies
- Front CV axle
Steps
- Remove the wheel
Loosen the 21mm lug nuts with the car on the ground, then raise and support it and pull the wheel.
- Loosen the axle nut
Tap the staked collar on the axle nut with a punch to free it, then brace the hub with a pry bar while breaking the 30mm 12-point axle nut loose with a breaker bar.
- Remove the old axle
Unbolt the control arm's 17mm bolts and separate it from the knuckle to free the axle's outer end, then from underneath remove the splash shield's push-pins and 10mm bolts, and with a drain pan ready, tap the axle loose at the transmission with a pry bar and hammer and pull it out.
- Install the new axle
Seat the new axle into the transmission and then into the knuckle, bolt the control arm back on and torque its bolts to about 68 ft-lb, then refit the splash shield and its push-pins.
- Torque the axle nut
Brace the hub with a pry bar again and torque the new axle nut to about 159 ft-lb on the 2.5L engine or 215 ft-lb on the 3.5L.
- Reinstall the wheel
Lower the car partway and torque the lug nuts to about 76 ft-lb in a crossing pattern.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.