How-To Replace your CV Shaft

This how-to is about replacing my passager side worn out CV shaft on my 2003 Ranger 4x4. This will apply to many other years also.

Tool Required

Jack
Jackstands
4 Way to Remove Lug Nuts
15mm Socket
21mm Socket
1 1/4in Socket
1/2in Ratchet
1/2in Breaker Bar
15mm Wrench
Needle Nose Pliers
Hammer
screwdriver
Pry Bar
Zip Ties



Step 1
Jack up truck and secure it with jack stands. Now remove the wheel.





Step 2 Remove Axle nut
You can do this 2 ways, have a buddy sit inside the truck and hold the brakes or use a screwdriver like I did to stop the axle from turning. Eat your Wheaties and give it hell. Use 1/2in breaker bar and 1 1/4in socket



Step 3
Locate and remove your brake caliper bolts. 15mm socket

Top bolt


Bottom bolt



Step 4
Use zip ties to secure brake caliper out of the way. DO NOT let it dangle by the brake fluid hose.



Step 5
Remove upper ball joint pinch bolt, use 15mm socket and 15mm wrench. To remove the bolt use a screwdriver and hammer to drive the bolt out.


Now using the hammer hit the upper control arm to separate the upper ball joint from the knuckle.



Step 6
Remove tie rod end from knuckle. Use 21mm wrench and needle nose pliers to remove carter pin.





Use hammer to separate tie rod end from knuckle.



Step 7
Now you are ready to remove the CV shaft. Separate the front part of the CV shaft from hub then prepare to remove the back of the shaft from the front axle. Use a pry bar and hammer to remove the shaft from the axle.



Pull shaft out





Now reverse everything and you are done.

 

nice write up!

 

Thanks for the write up

 

On your upper ball valve bolt, if it is fighting you the whole way out, you might need to raise up the knuckle with a jack and free it up. I mashed all the threads on that bolt one time backing it out in a bind.

 

Thank you for this guide. It helped me tremendously!

Also, penetrating oil helped me a lot to get some of the rusted parts loose. When putting in the CV shaft, I really had to smack it in there for it to seat.

 

Great guide and photos on replacing cv shaft. k.blakeley. I'm replacing driver side shaft in 2011 ranger and there is a retainer ring on the inside shaft end. How do you release this to pull shaft?

 

Great explanation! Very helpful. I am unsure if there is supposed to be an ABS ring on the axle or the hub assembly. When I purchased the parts an ABS ring did not come with it, but my ABS light is still on. I am wondering if you know and could help me out. I have a 2007 4x4 Ranger.

 

ABS ring is in the hub assembly. Could be the ABS sensor that mounts to the hub assembly that is giving you trouble.