How to Change a CV Axle on an 01-04 ADD Tacoma

I’m in a jam. Can I just remove the front axle and keep rolling down the road?

 

You could but you'll leak front differential fluid out and it will be rotating with no oil... depending on what side CV you remove. I forget if the driver or passenger side is always connected to the diff and making it spin, even when in 2WD...

 

No. The CV axle nut it what holds the hub & wheel bearing together.

 

Mess

 

Oh yeah, that too. Good save, Brett.

 

Without the CV axle nut in place you'll toast your wheel bearing, ask me how I know. Cross threaded mine once and that was enough to ruin the wheel bearing ~300 miles later

 

If it's already f'd up, just bang the crap out of it to remove the center section.

Leave the hub and the outer end of the CV attached there to hold the hub/wheel bearing together.

If you can separate the inner CV section, this will keep the fluid from leaking out.

 

Well I banged on it a bit but then I caved in and went and got a new axle at Autozone. Lower ball Joint plus axle job. Thanks for all y’all input. Greatly appreciated

 

Awesome info, glad that this thread is still around. I did my passenger side today, and it took about 45 minutes. Didn't need to take the springs out, or do anything with the tie rod. Thanks again

 

Ya me too. Next is the uppers. I have the aftermarket but I have been told to get the Toyota’s uppers.

 

There are a lot of great aftermarket UCAs out there, but if you're looking for a stock replacement then yeah the Toyota ones would be best

 

oh right. Ya I’m a stock.

 

Lets wake a silent one. I find the search function very beneficial. At times!!

@JimBeam
Firstly, Thanks for posting and sharing your Tutorial.
Secondly, and I hope you do not mind, I used your information, and created a printable PDF to share with all those (like myself) in need.
Just trying to help a place out, that helps me in my endeavors.

See ATTACHED

 

Now that's pretty awesome!

 

For installing new Dust Seals, Nothing special is needed.
I use the Dust Cap. It's a perfect fit.
Place the cap on top of the seal, and hit the cap gently, going around the outside perimeter in a circular motion with a Rubber Mallet.
Drive it home.

 

I found some of the aftermarket axles from parts stores do not come with dust seals, have had to remove them off the old axle and put them on the same way mentioned.

I don't know why they thought to sell some axles without dust seals, the wheel bearing is exposed without them

 

The dust seals came installed on the new axles, but one, the flange of the ring was bent. I fixed it, so it should be OK.
The inner oil seals were not included, hence my exponential frustrations dealing with parts people that don't know how to USE the old fashioned, "Look it up in the catelog"
They must of had 40 catalogs to reference vehicles parts, and they didn't touch one.

We have a few NAPA Auto Parts places near, who I just now got off the phone with.
I told him exactly what I wanted. It took him a couple minutes, and he told me exactly what they were and what they cost.
To HELL with O'Reillys!!!

As I mentioned above. I got pissed. I ordered from the dealer.
I'll get hosed a bit, compared to NAPAs prices, but I'll have the needed parts

 

yeah inner axle seals (the ones in the diff tubes) don't come with new axles, they should be fine when swapping CV axles but they do occasionally get damaged during removal/install, or they sometimes just go bad with age. I had to replace the one on the passenger side last time I changed that CV.

Those seals are not fun to install. I ended up just putting it on the edge of the tube and let the CV axle drive it in all the way.

 

I tore both of them out. Made a splattered mess everywhere. I figure, new axles = new seals while I'm in there.
I hate wrenching. I get pissed from getting all greasy. LOLOLOL
And working on a vehicle, when it's jacked up, or on floor stands. It's easier to get under them, but it's still not ideal like a hoist!!

 

Great write up. Thanks for all the info here. Does anyone apply grease or anything to the seal on step 9 when when putting the CV back through the hub?