How to Replace a Front Drive Axle

A front drive axle is an important part of a front wheel drive vehicle, allowing the transmission to deliver power to the tires. Accordingly, the car will become useless if this component suffers a defect. This will make it necessary to know the correct process for replacing the axle.

Step 1 – Remove Tires and Fasteners

Use a jack to raise the car and prop it up with jack stands. Remove the lug nuts with a tire iron. Slip the tires out of place. You will have access to the cotter pin within the castle nut, which can be removed with a pair of needle nose pliers before the nut is removed with a ratchet.

Step 2 – Withdraw Axle

Use a ball joint separator between the control arm and the steering knuckle and draw it toward you to free the front drive axle and pull it free.

Step 3 – Install

Thread the front drive axle through the transmission and steering knuckle from the same position that the old one was removed from. Replace the fasteners including securely hammering in the cotter pin. Replace the tires and secure the lugs nuts before lowering the car to the ground.