How to Replace Front CV Axle: 2009-2014 Ford F-150

Watch this video to learn how to replace front CV axle on a 2009-2014 Ford F-150.

Replacing Front CV Axle on a 2009-2014 Ford F-150: What You Need

Ready to perform this DIY replacement job? Remember that all the parts in this guide can be found on CarParts.com. Check out all the products that fit your vehicle right here.

Parts Checklist

• Driveshaft: Driver and Passenger sides
• Brake cleaner
• Grease

Tightening Torques

• Front Integrated Wheel End (IWE) bolts: 9 Ft-lbs
• Tie rod end holding nut: 85 Ft-lbs
• Upper control arm ball joint: 85 Ft-lbs
• Wheel hub nut: 30 Ft-lbs

Tools Checklist

Here’s the toolbox we recommend to repair your Ford F-150: HM85 85 Piece Ratchet and Socket Set

List of tools:

• Hydraulic jack
• Jack stands
• Wheel lug wrench
• Flat head screwdriver
• Crowbar
• Ratchet
• Calliper
• Fork
• Breaker bar
• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 22mm socket
• Hammer
• Large flat head screwdriver
• Paper towel
• Torque wrench

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Turn off the engine, set the parking brake.

Step 2: Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.

Step 3: Lift the front of your vehicle and securely place it on axle stands. Watch our “How to jack your Ford F-150 safely” video for guidance before proceeding.

Step 4: To change the driveshaft, remove the wheels for full access. Place the wheels under the vehicle.

Step 5: Using a flathead screwdriver, remove the nut cover from the hub.

Step 6: Lock the hub rotation with a crowbar, and unscrew the hub nut using a ratchet and a 15mm socket.

Step 7: Measure the distance between the end of the driveshaft thread and the hub using a caliper for proper reassembly.

Step 8: Disconnect the ABS sensor cable from the body using a fork. Disconnect it from the brake hose. Unscrew the fixing screw from the brake hose using a ratchet and a 10mm socket.

Step 9: Loosen the nut on the upper control arm ball joint with a breaker bar and a 22mm socket. Unscrew the nut a few threads with a ratchet.

Step 10: Turn the disk outwards for easier access.

Step 11: Remove the outer tie rod from the knuckle. Refer to our video on “How to replace the outer tie rod Ford F-150.”

Step 12: Knock on the knuckle to separate the rod from the upper control arm. Lift the front axle slightly with a jack while supported by the lower control arm to prevent the wheel knuckle unit from falling off. Finish unscrewing the upper control arm ball joint.

Step 13: Lower the wheel knuckle slightly with the jack to remove the ball joint and create space needed for driveshaft removal. Shift the whole and disconnect vacuum lines.

Step 14: Tilt the wheel knuckle to remove the driveshaft. Remove the hub lock actuator to completely remove the driveshaft from the hub.

Step 15: Unscrew the 3 screws maintaining the hub lock actuator using a ratchet and an 8mm socket. Pry it out with a large flathead screwdriver. Pull the driveshaft out of the hub and remove the hub lock actuator.

Step 16: Disengage the driveshaft from the differential using a crowbar. Pull the driveshaft out completely.

Step 17: Protect the driveshaft insertion slot near the drive axle. Clean impurities at the gasket using a screwdriver, brake cleaner, and paper towels. Do the same on the contact portion between the hub and the hub lock actuator.

Step 18: Apply grease to the wheel hub.

Step 19: Unscrew the nut supplied with the new driveshaft and install the driveshaft following the instructions in the video above.

Step 20: Push firmly to fit the driveshaft in place. Grease the contact part with the hub lock actuator.

Step 21: Clean the hub lock actuator with brake cleaner and paper towels. Position it on the driveshaft and grease it. Insert the driveshaft into the wheel hub.

Step 22: Screw back the 3 hub actuator retaining screws. Finish tightening using a torque wrench. Remove the jack so you can manipulate the whole.

Step 23: Insert the new driveshaft into the hub by rotating it to fit into the wheel hub unit.

Step 24: Reinsert the upper control arm ball joint into the wheel knuckle. Loosely screw the nut back on to hold it together.

Step 25: Put the outer tie rod back in place and screw it back on. Finish tightening with a torque wrench.

Step 26: Complete the tightening of the upper suspension arm ball joint with a torque wrench. Reconnect the vacuum hoses.

Step 27: Screw the brake hose mounting bracket back on. Replace the ABS sensor cable and clip it back into its slots.

Step 28: Verify the previously measured distance for correct reassembly.

Step 29: Replace the hub nut. Block the hub rotation with a crowbar and screw the nut back on. Finish tightening with a torque wrench.

Step 30: Put the cover back on the nut.

Step 31: Put the wheels back on your vehicle.

Step 32: Lower the vehicle and block the wheels properly.

Compatible Vehicles

The operation and tools displayed in the video should be available on the following vehicles :

• 2009 Ford F150
• 2010 Ford F150
• 2011 Ford F150
• 2012 Ford F150
• 2013 Ford F150
• 2014 Ford F150

Important Reminders

To ensure that the part is properly installed during reassembly, measure the distance between the end of the drive shaft thread and the hub with a caliper.

To prevent the wheel knuckle unit from falling off, lift the front axle slightly with a jack while being supported by the lower control arm.

Disclaimer:

This video is for entertainment purposes only. CarParts.com, Inc. disclaims all damages including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, and/or punitive, for any liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or arising from any information or lack thereof posted in this video. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All mechanical car projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. If you are in doubt, please consult a licensed mechanic in your area.