How to replace the front CV Axle 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

To replace the front CV Axle on your Ram 1500 we’re here to help. You’ll need to lift the vehicle, remove the outer tie rod, remove the cv axle as well as carry out a few other steps. You can carry out this tutorial of 18 chapters in 90 minutes. Take your 35 mm socket and your torque wrench and let’s get started!

Duration

90 minutes

Number of steps

Difficulty out of 5

Average savings

$150

Parts You Will Need

Tools You Will Need

Step-by-Step Installation

Chapter 1:

Set up

Step 1/2

Turn your engine off and set the parking brake.

Chapter 1:

Step 2/2

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 (unblock) the nut on the end of the transmission.

Chapter 2:

Lift the vehicle

Step 1/4

Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.

Chapter 2:

Step 2/4

Lift the front of your vehicle.

Chapter 2:

Step 3/4

Place the vehicle on the jack stands.

Chapter 2:

Step 4/4

Don’t forget to put the wheels under the vehicle!

Chapter 3:

Unscrew the wheel hub nut

Step 1/1

Finish unscrewing the nut on the end of the transmission.

Chapter 4:

Remove the caliper assembly

Step 1/3

It is now necessary to remove the caliper assembly. Attach a wire to the body of the vehicle in order to maintain the assembly when it is removed.

Chapter 4:

Step 2/3

Using a socket wrench and a 21mm socket, unscrew the two holding screws on the caliper mount.

Chapter 4:

Step 3/3

Remove the caliper assembly and fasten it.

Chapter 5:

Remove the brake disc

Step 1/2

Unscrew the retainer from the disk.

Chapter 5:

Step 2/2

Then remove the disc.

Chapter 6:

Remove the ABS sensor

Step 1/4

Then use a fork to unclip all the clips that hold the ABS sensor cable in place.

Chapter 6:

Step 2/4

Next, unclip the ABS sensor cable retaining clip behind the mudguard.

Chapter 6:

Step 3/4

Disconnect the connector by pushing the red plastic tab, then lever and pull the tab.

Chapter 6:

Step 4/4

Remove the cable from the last clip. You can now move the cable aside.

Chapter 7:

Loosen the ball joints

Step 1/4

You must then disengage the upper control arm ball joint from the wheel knuckle. Release the ball joint with a ratchet and a 21mm socket.

Chapter 7:

Step 2/4

Use a hammer to strike the knuckle.

Chapter 7:

Step 3/4

Brush off the nut of the lower control arm ball joint and spray it with penetrating oil.

Chapter 7:

Step 4/4

Loosen the lower suspension arm ball joint nut using a ratchet and a 24mm socket, and unscrew the nut a few threads.

Chapter 8:

Disconnect the control arms from the wheel knuckle

Step 1/6

It is now time to remove the outer tie rod from the knuckle.

Disconnect the control arms from the wheel knuckle

Chapter 8:

Step 2/6

Then finish unscrewing the upper control arm ball joint. Then remove the ball joint from the wheel knuckle.

Chapter 8:

Step 3/6

Apply penetrating oil to the lower control arm ball joint.

Chapter 8:

Step 4/6

Then hit the wheel knuckle with a hammer to disengage the ball joint.

Chapter 8:

Step 5/6

Finish unscrewing the nut of the lower control arm ball joint.

Chapter 8:

Step 6/6

Then remove the wheel knuckle by disengaging both the front CV axle and the control arm ball joint.

Chapter 9:

Remove the CV axle

Step 1/3

You can now disengage the front CV axle from the front differential by hitting it with a hammer.

Chapter 9:

Step 2/3

Then pull the CV axle out completely.

Chapter 9:

Step 3/3

You must now remove the stub shaft from the CV axle with a hammer and a crowbar.

Chapter 10:

Set up

Step 1/4

Clean the stub shaft with brake cleaner and a paper towel.

Chapter 10:

Step 2/4

Then wipe off the impurities on the seal with a paper towel.

Chapter 10:

Step 3/4

Reinsert the stub shaft into the differential.

Chapter 10:

Step 4/4

Use a plastic mallet to fit it into place.

Chapter 11:

Install the new CV axle

Step 1/3

Take the new CV axle and unscrew the nut supplied with it.

Chapter 11:

Step 2/3

Re-insert the CV axle onto the stub shaft.

Chapter 11:

Step 3/3

You must now fit the wheel knuckle back into place. Grease the part that will be in contact with the lower control arm ball joint.

Chapter 12:

Screw the control arm ball joint nut back

Step 1/7

Install the wheel knuckle by inserting it into both the CV axle and the lower control arm ball joint.

Screw the control arm ball joint nut back

Chapter 12:

Step 2/7

Secure the assembly by tightening the nut that holds the ball joint in place until there is contact.

Chapter 12:

Step 3/7

If the nut turns with the ball joint, use a ratchet and a 12mm socket to hold the ball joint in place.

Chapter 12:

Step 4/7

Finish tightening using a torque wrench.

Chapter 12:

Step 5/7

Then apply silicone grease to the flat part that will be in contact with the upper control arm ball joint sleeve. Do not grease the inside of the cone. Reinsert the ball joint.