How to Replace a CV Joint in a Hyundai Elantra
by Shayrgo Barazi
Constant velocity (CV) joints, or drive axles, allow power in your Hyundai Elantra to transfer from the transmission to the wheels while the vehicle is turning. The CV joint wears out over several thousand miles of use and makes a distinct clicking noise when the CV joint has failed. You can hear the clicking sound when turning right or left, which indicates that you should replace the CV joint.
Step 1
Remove the hubcap from the wheel by prying it off with a screwdriver at the edge.
Step 2
Remove the axle nut from the axle with a 32 mm socket and a long breaker bar. The axle nut is held on at about 120 foot-pounds and will require a substantial amount of force to remove it. The longer the breaker bar, the easier it will be to remove.
Step 3
Jack up the Elantra and place it on jack stands.
Step 4
Remove the wheels, using a lug nut wrench.
Step 5
Remove the castle nut from the bottom of the ball joint with a ratchet; but first remove the cotter pin from the castle nut, using needle-nose pliers.
Step 6
Separate the steering knuckle from the lower control arm with a ball joint separator. Place the ball joint separator between the lower control arm and the steering knuckle, and use a hammer to hit the end of the ball joint separator until the ball joint breaks free. Alternatively, use a hammer to hit the side of the lower control arm where the ball joint fits into it; the ball joint will break free.
Step 7
Pull the steering knuckle toward you, and remove the CV joint from it.
Step 8
Pry between the transmission case and the CV joint with a pry bar until the CV joint breaks free. Pull the CV joint out of the Elantra.
Step 9
Place the new CV joint into the transmission and route it through the steering knuckle.
Step 10
Place a new pin into the axle, and line it up with the transmission stub that the axle fits onto. Hammer the pin into the groove.
Step 11
Tighten the axle nut with a ratchet.
Step 12
Place the ball joint through the lower control arm, and tighten the castle nut with a ratchet. Then place the cotter pin through the nut.
Step 13
Reinstall the wheel, and lower the Elantra.
Step 14
Tighten the axle nut to 120 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.
Step 15
Reinstall the hubcap.
References
- "Automotive Steering, Suspension, and Alignment"; James Halderman; 2004
Tips
- If you don't have a breaker bar, use a 1.5-inch-diameter steel pipe approximately 6 feet in length to remove the axle nut. Place the steel pipe over a long ratchet and loosen the nut; it will come off easily.
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Ratchet
- Sockets
- Long breaker bar
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Lug nut wrench
- Needle-nose pliers
- Ball joint separator
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- CV joint (drive axle)
- Torque wrench
Warnings
- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from injury.
Writer Bio
Shayrgo Barazi is a college graduate with a degree in automotive engineering technology (B.S.c.) from Ferris State University. He is a successful writer and has taken a college level technical writing course. He currently works for Time Wave Media writing automotive DIY articles. He has an intuition for technology and has the capacity to write, too.
