The CV axle is the driveshaft on a front wheel drive car, such as a 1986 Chevy Cavalier. It delivers the power from the engine to the transmission, then to the wheels. CV stands for "constant velocity." All shafts have two joints that act like your wrist. They allow the drive shafts to articulate while they are turning. In a turn or hitting a bump, the end of the shaft must bend while still transferring power to the wheels with no vibration.
Tools Used: Set of 1/2-inch sockets, Pry bar, Ratchet, ½-inch air gun, Drip pan, Hammer
Replace CV Axles
Jack the front of the Chevy Cavalier up and support on jack stands. Remove the front wheels. Turn the ignition key just enough to unlock the steering wheel.
Remove the cotter pin and large axle nut retainer in the center of the rotor. Remove the two large bolts and nuts attaching the strut to the spindle. Push in on the CV axle where it protrudes through the center of the rotor and make sure it is loose enough to push out. If it is not loose, then put the axle nut on upside down---turn it for only five to six threads. Tap it with a hammer to push the CV axle out of the hub.
Turn the steering outward with the steering wheel--if you are working on the driver's side turn the wheel to the left. This gives sufficient room to remove the axle. The other side should be done in the same manner. Remove the axle nut if you used it to hammer the axle out, then grab the extension of the spindle above the rotor and pull it down and toward you as you grab the CV axle and withdraw it from the hub.
Put a drip pan under the CV joint at the point it enters the transmission in case there is any fluid loss. Place the head of the pry bar between the transmission and the CV joint. With a quick snap of the tool separate the CV joint from the transmission. There is a small circlip on the end of the CV joint that keeps it in place. Prying it with a quick snap will overcome the friction of the circlip and the CV joint will pop out.
Install the new CV axle by inserting the axle end into the transmission first. It will go in as far as the circlip. Back it out ever so slightly--about a half an inch or so, and sharply shove it in past the circlip.
Grab the spindle at the extension above the rotor with the holes for the strut. While pulling down and toward you install the outer end of the CV joint. To do this easily bend the CV joint toward the hole in the rotor and push into the hole while rotating the rotor to line up the splines.
Install the retaining nut finger tight. While lifting up on the hub and rotor assembly, push the top of the spindle with the holes in it into the strut and insert the bolts and nuts. Tighten them securely. Torque the large retaining nut to 200 foot pounds. Repeat the same procedure to the other side. Put the wheels on and let the car off the jacks.
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