How to Install a CV Joint on a Subaru 3.0 2003

The CV joint on the front of the Subaru transfers power from the engine to the wheels through the transmission. It does this at variable angles, so the joint must be flexible. As the parts wear, the joint may separate, leaving the Subaru sitting, immobile, where the separation occurs. Fortunately, there are warning signs such as a clicking sound coming from the wheel when you are making a turn. If you hear this sound, you need to check the CV joint and change it as soon as possible or risk a break down. The average person can change the CV joint in about two to three hours.

Instructions

1

Open the engine compartment and prop the lid with the prop rod. Loosen the nut on the negative battery terminal and remove the cable from the battery. Place a set of wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the Subaru. Raise the front of the car on the side that you need to work on using the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the Subaru near the jacking point and raise it to the frame of the car. Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench and remove the wheel.

2

Remove the cotter pin from the axle shaft using a pair of pliers. Remove the axle nut using a wrench. Disconnect the stabilizer link from the transverse link using a wrench. Remove the cotter pin from the ball joint using a pair of pliers. Remove the castellated nut from the ball joint using a socket and ratchet. Disconnect the transverse link ball joint from the housing. Remove the spring pin connecting the halfshaft to the transverse link using the pliers and discard it.

3

Remove the sway bar bracket using a wrench. Remove the halfshaft from the transaxle using a pry bar to assist you. Separate the halfshaft from the hub using the hub puller. Install the new halfshaft into the hub using the hub installer to pull it through. Install the axle nut and temporarily tighten it with a wrench. Line up the halfshaft hole for the spring pin. Insert the halfshaft into the transaxle and push it in firmly until it locks into place. Insert a new spring pin.

4

Connect the transverse link to the wheel knuckle. Install the castellated nut and torque it to 36 foot-pounds using a torque wrench. Insert a new cotter pin and spread it open using the pliers. Install the sway bar bracket and tighten the nut with a wrench. Torque the axle nut to 152 foot-pounds using the torque wrench. Install the wheel on the Subaru and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.

5

Remove the jack stand from under the Subaru. Lower the car to the ground. Connect the battery cable to the battery and tighten the terminal nut using a wrench.