How to Replace Front Drivers Side CV Axle 02-06 Nissan Altima
Difficulty: Advanced · About 100 min · Nissan Altima
Replace the front driver's side CV axle on a 2002-2006 Nissan Altima.
Tools you will need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Ratchet
- 21mm socket
- 22mm socket
- 32mm socket
- Rust penetrant
- Pry bar
- Side cutters
- Rubber mallet
- Dead blow hammer
- Ball joint press
- Needle-nose pliers
- Torque wrench
- Drain pan
- 1/2 inch breaker bar
Parts and supplies
- Front driver's side CV axle
Steps
- Remove the wheel
Loosen the lug nuts with the car on the ground, raise and support it, pull the wheel, then pry off its center cap.
- Remove the old axle
Pull the axle nut's cotter pin and soak the nut in penetrant, break it loose with a 32mm socket and breaker bar, cut the ball joint's cotter pin if needed and remove its nut, separate the joint with a ball joint press, remove the axle nut fully, soak the splines in penetrant, then thread the nut back on and strike it with a dead blow hammer to free the axle from the hub before prying it out of the transmission with a drain pan ready.
- Install the new axle
Clean the hub splines and the transmission seal, push the axle into the transmission (tapping it with a dead blow hammer), thread the axle nut on loosely, feed the axle into the hub, grease the splines, tighten the axle nut preliminarily, then seat the ball joint stud in the knuckle, tighten its nut, and fit a new cotter pin.
- Reinstall the wheel
Lift it onto the hub, torque the axle nut to about 173-230 ft-lb and the lug nuts to about 73-86 ft-lb in a star pattern, then fit the axle nut's cotter pin and the wheel's center cap.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.