How to Replace Front CV Axle: 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Watch this video to learn how to replace the front CV axle on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500.

Replacing Front CV Axle on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500: 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

CV Axle
Penetrating oil
Brake cleaner
Grease
Silicone grease

Tightening Torques

Lower control arm ball joint nut: 37 Ft-lbs + additional 90 degrees
Upper control arm ball joint: 40 Ft-lbs + additional 200 degrees
Tie rod end holding nut: 78 Ft-lbs
Brake cliper mount bolts: 130 Ft-lbs
Wheel hub nut: 185 Ft-lbs

Tools Checklist

Here’s the toolbox we recommend to repair your Dodge RAM 1500: HM85 85 Piece Ratchet and Socket Set

List of tools:

Hydraulic jack
Jack stands
Wheel lug wrench
Breaker bar
35mm socket
Ratchet
21mm socket
Fork
Hammer
Wire brush
24mm socket
Crowbar
Paper towel
Plastic mallet
12mm socket
Torque wrench
Flat head screwdriver

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Vehicle:

Turn off the engine and set the parking brake.

Access the Transmission Nut:

Remove the central rim cover to access the nut on the end of the transmission.
Use a breaker bar and a 35mm socket to loosen and unblock the transmission nut.

Prepare the Vehicle:

Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.
Lift the front of your vehicle.
Place the vehicle on jack stands.

Remove Wheels and Transmission Nut:

Take off the wheels to have full access.
Remove the wheels and place them under the vehicle.
Finish unscrewing the nut on the end of the transmission.

Remove Brake Components:

Remove the caliper assembly and attach a wire to the body to maintain it.
Unscrew the two holding screws on the caliper mount using a socket wrench and a 21mm socket.
Remove the caliper assembly, disc, and ABS sensor cable.

Disconnect Upper Control Arm Ball Joint:

Disengage the upper control arm ball joint from the wheel knuckle using a ratchet and a 21mm socket.
Use a hammer to strike the knuckle and release the ball joint.

Remove Lower Control Arm Ball Joint:

Brush off and spray penetrating oil on the nut of the lower control arm ball joint.
Loosen the lower suspension arm ball joint nut using a ratchet and a 24mm socket.
Remove the nut a few threads.

Remove CV Axle:

Disengage the front CV axle from the front differential by hitting it with a hammer.
Pull the CV axle out completely.
Remove the stub shaft from the CV axle with a hammer and a crowbar.

Install New CV Axle:

Clean the stub shaft and wipe off impurities on the seal.
Reinsert the stub shaft into the differential.
Take the new CV axle, unscrew the supplied nut, and reinsert the CV axle onto the stub shaft.

Reassemble Wheel Knuckle:

Grease the part in contact with the lower control arm ball joint.
Install the wheel knuckle by inserting it into the CV axle and lower control arm ball joint.
Tighten the nut holding the ball joint until there is contact.
Use a ratchet and a 12mm socket to hold the ball joint if it turns.
Finish tightening with a torque wrench.
Apply silicone grease to the flat part in contact with the upper control arm ball joint sleeve.
Do not grease the inside of the cone.
Use a jack to lift the wheel knuckle and retighten the nut holding the upper control arm ball joint.
Finish tightening with a torque wrench.

Reinstall Outer Tie Rod:

Put the outer tie rod back in place in the knuckle.
Remount the castle nut and tighten it with a ratchet and a 21mm socket.
Finish tightening with a torque wrench.
Insert the key into the castle nut and use a screwdriver to bend the key.

Complete Reassembly:

Remove the jack.
Reinstall the brake disc and put the retainer back in place.
Reinstall the caliper assembly and screw it back on.
Finish tightening with a torque wrench.
Remove the wire holding the caliper assembly together.
Replace the ABS sensor cable, clip it back into its slots, and reconnect it.
Clip the ABS sensor connector back inside the mud guard.
Replace the hub nut and screw it back on by blocking the rotation of the hub with a crowbar.
Finish tightening with a torque wrench.

Final Steps:

Put the wheels back on your vehicle.
Lower the car to the ground and block the wheels properly.

Compatible Vehicles

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

Important Reminders

Don’t forget to remove the cable that you used to hold the caliper assembly together.

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.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.