CV joints are an essential component to the 1987 Ford Taurus' transmission system. The CV joints connect the CV shafts to the transmission and contain fluid that keeps the joint from wearing down. Exposure to extreme weather conditions can cause damage to the joints, causing them to leak and reducing the lubrication between the shafts and the transmission. If you notice leaking grease under the car axles, it is time to replace your CV joints. You can save time and money by performing this maintenance in your own garage.
Tools Used: Jack, Jack stand, Lug nut wrench, Socket wrench, Impact wrench
Replace CV Joints
Raise the car with a jack and then place a jack stand beneath the undercarriage. Make sure the car is securely supported by the jack stand and then remove the jack. Use a lug nut wrench to remove the lug nuts from the wheel and then remove the wheel from the car´s assembly.
Locate the brake caliper on the wheel hub and use a socket wrench to remove it -- use a piece of wire to tie the removed caliper to the wheel coil so that it does not hang in the air while you are working on the car.
Locate the axle nut in the middle of the wheel hub and use an impact wrench to remove it. Use a hammer to remove the brake pad from the rotor -- hit the top of the brake pad with the hammer until the brake pad slides off the rotor. With the brake pad removed, locate the lower ball joint and the steering knuckle.
Remove the bolt that secures the ball joint to the steering knuckle and then pull the ball joint away from the car´s assembly. With the ball joint removed, you can access the CV shaft, where it attaches to the car´s transmission. Locate the bolts that attach these two components, comprising the CV joint itself. Use a screwdriver to remove these bolts and then pull the joint away from the CV shaft.
Insert the new CV joint in place of the old one and then secure it in place with the previously removed bolts. Reattach the ball joint to the steering knuckle and then slide the brake pad back onto the rotor.
Secure the axle bolt to the wheel hub and then reattach the caliper to the wheel hub. Put the wheel back onto the assembly and secure it in place with the lug nuts. Place the jack under the car´s frame and raise it slightly, allowing you to remove the jack stand. Lower the vehicle and then replace the next CV joint.
Tips & Warnings
You can purchase model-specific replacement CV joints at a local auto parts store.
Raise only one side of the car at a time when replacing the CV joints; when you are done with the joint, raise the other side of the car to replace the other joint.
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