How to Replace CV Axle Shaft 00-08 Nissan Maxima

Difficulty: Advanced · About 100 min · Nissan Maxima

Replace a CV axle shaft on a 2000-2003 Nissan Maxima, including dropping the lower control arm for clearance.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

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

2. Free the axle from the hub

   Twist out the cotter pin, remove the 32mm hub nut, and confirm the axle can move freely in the hub, striking it with a hammer after threading the nut back on if it's seized.

3. Disconnect the stabilizer link

   Hold its stud with a 14mm wrench while removing the 15mm nut, then push the link out of the lower control arm.

4. Drop the lower control arm

   Remove its six 22mm bolts and swing the arm down out of the way.

5. Pull the old axle

   Push the axle out of the hub, then pry it out of the transmission with a catch pan ready to collect the fluid that drips out.

6. Install the new axle

   Push the new shaft into the transmission and seat its other end into the wheel hub.

7. Reinstall the control arm and stabilizer link

   Raise the control arm back up and torque its six 22mm bolts to about 120 ft-lb, then reconnect the stabilizer link and torque its 15mm nut while holding the stud with the 14mm wrench.

8. Secure the axle and top off the transaxle fluid

   Install the hub nut and torque it to about 217 ft-lb with an assistant holding the brake pedal, fit a new cotter pin, then refill the transaxle through its 10mm drain opening until fluid starts to drip out.

9. Reinstall the wheel

   Torque the lug nuts to about 100 ft-lb in a crossing pattern, then have the vehicle professionally aligned since the control arm was disturbed.

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