How To Replace Front CV Axle 97-02 Ford Expedition
Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Ford Expedition
Replace the front CV axle (half shaft) on a 1997-2002 Ford Expedition, including the stabilizer link in the way.
Tools you will need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Ratchet
- 13mm socket
- 14mm socket
- 19mm socket
- 35mm socket
- 9/16 inch socket
- Hammer
- Rust penetrant
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Center punch
- Torque wrench
- 1/2 inch breaker bar
Parts and supplies
- Front CV axle
- Stabilizer link
Steps
- Loosen fasteners before raising the truck
With the truck still on the ground, pop the lug cap, loosen the lug nuts, remove the hub nut's cover and cotter pin and loosen (but don't remove) the hub nut, then loosen the seven 13mm bolts holding the axle flange to the front differential.
- Free the stabilizer link
Soak both ends in penetrating oil, then remove the link using a 14mm socket on top and a 9/16 inch socket underneath, driving it out with a hammer if it's stuck.
- Pull the old half shaft
Finish removing the 13mm flange bolts (wedging a bar between the lug studs to keep the axle from spinning if needed), remove the hub nut, then tap the axle with a hammer to break it loose from the knuckle and pull it out.
- Install the new half shaft
Pack the new ball joint's grease fitting, fit the new shaft and bolt the flange back on, torquing the 13mm bolts to about 60 ft-lb in a star pattern.
- Reinstall the stabilizer link
Thread its bushings and washers on and tighten the lock nuts, then jack the suspension up slightly and torque the link to about 15-17 ft-lb.
- Finish the hub and wheel
Thread the hub nut on and snug it without fully torquing yet, refit the wheel and lug nuts, lower the truck, torque the lug nuts to about 100 ft-lb in a star pattern, then torque the hub nut to about 220 ft-lb and refit its cotter pin, cover and lug cap.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.