How to Replace Front CV Axle 01-06 Hyundai Elantra

Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Hyundai Elantra

Replace the front CV axle, including the sway bar link and lower control arm, on a 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Remove the hub cap, loosen the lug nuts, then raise and support the car and pull the wheel.

2. Loosen the axle nut and sway bar link

   Pull the cotter pin, break the 32mm axle nut loose with a breaker bar and length of pipe, then hold the sway bar link's bolt with a 14mm wrench while removing its upper and lower 14mm nuts to free the link.

3. Separate the control arm

   Loosen the 19mm lower ball joint nut, strike the spindle with a hammer to break the joint loose, then remove the nut and separate the arm from the spindle.

4. Remove the old axle

   Strike the axle end with a hammer to free it from the wheel side, then with a catch pan ready, pry it away from the transmission and pull it out.

5. Install the new axle

   Feed it in through the wheel well, line up its splines with the transmission, push it in (penetrating oil on the splines helps), then push the outer end into the wheel hub.

6. Reconnect the control arm

   Push the ball joint back into the knuckle, start its 19mm nut, fit the axle's center nut and torque it to about 175 ft-lb, then drive in a new cotter pin and bend it over before tightening the 19mm nut.

7. Reinstall the sway bar link

   Fit it back into place and tighten its 14mm nuts while holding each bolt with a wrench.

8. Reinstall the wheel

   Refit the hub cap, then torque the lug nuts to about 100 ft-lb in a crossing pattern.

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