Buying the Right CV Axle

Jefferson Bryant

November 16, 2025

6 min read

Jefferson Bryant

November 16, 2025

6 min read

Front-wheel drive vehicles—as well as most modern AWD, 4WD, and RWD vehicles with independent rear suspension—drive the wheels using CV axles - opens in new window or tab.. CV stands for constant velocity. This axle rotates at the same speed end to end regardless of the suspension going up and down or the wheel turning left or right.

Most CV axles are good for about 100,000 miles. See our detailed guide and video with step-by-step instructions for replacing a CV axle.

Buying CV Axles: What to Consider

Top: original CV axle with separated inner joint. Bottom: Replacement OEM axle.

CV axles are often side-specific. You must order the correct side for your vehicle. One axle is typically shorter than the other.

In most cases, you need the exact same style of CV axle that your vehicle originally came with. If you have heavily modified your vehicle, that’s a different story. If your vehicle was modified for more power, upgrade the CV axles to stronger and lighter materials, such as carbon fiber. If you lifted your truck, you may need lengthened CV axles to compensate for an extreme angle.

How much should you spend on CV axles?

The cost of CV axles varies depending on the model. Most vehicles have relatively affordable CV axles in the $75 to $200 range. CV axles for high-end and performance vehicles could go as high as $1,500. If you can get away with replacing the boot - opens in new window or tab. alone and repacking the existing CV joints - opens in new window or tab. with CV axle grease, you might spend less.

CV axles can be remanufactured, meaning that they use the original components (splined ends, hardened shaft), with new bearings and races. These are usually just as good as new axles supplied by the automaker. These are called original equipment manufacturer (OEM) axles.

AC Delco, Cardone, Delphi, GKN, and TrakMotive are brands with a good reputation. OEM axles provide peace of mind. They have the precise correct fit and don’t have issues with balance, which is a common problem for low-quality aftermarket CV axles.

When to Choose a Used CV Axle

A mechanic wearing black nitrile gloves removes a CV axle’s snap ring with a puller tool. — The inner tulip joint is usually connected with an internal snap ring, which requires a special puller tool.

In some cases, the axle you need is backordered or unavailable. Used CV axles are not a bad option, but be aware of a few issues. First, it’s important to know the mileage because most axles are good for about 100,000 miles. Second, it’s critical to know if the vehicle was in a crash. Axles are often damaged in collisions.

If you choose a used CV axle, replace the boots after cleaning and repacking the joint with new axle grease. Use high-pressure CV axle grease.

Can all CV axles be rebuilt?

No. It depends on the damage. If the joint is separated or is making noise, the damage is done. The internal components have to be replaced, and that requires specialty equipment. That said, you can rebuild a CV axle that has a torn boot but is fully functional.

Remove the axle from the vehicle, cut off the old torn boot, clean the joint of all old grease, repack it, and then install a new boot. This gets you many more miles out of the same axle.

If you have very hard-to-find axles, you can usually find some professional rebuild services that remanufacture the old joint. They machine the cups and replace the bearings and assembly.

Essential Tools and Accessories

A mechanic wearing black nitrile gloves points to the staked axle nut on a rusty wheel hub. — This is a staked axle nut, which can be reused. You know it is this type by the raised lip on the outer edge of the hex. This gets locked onto the threads by striking it with a punch and hammer.

You will need a couple of specialty tools and supplies to repair or replace a CV axle. Most modern vehicles use CV axles, so these items are a good investment.

CV axle puller - opens in new window or tab.: Most vehicles have splined CV axles, where the inner axle shaft slides into the transaxle and locks in place with a spring clip. These are very difficult to remove without an axle puller. This puller has a large, forged steel U-shaped hook that slides behind the axle shaft and attaches to a slide hammer. A few knocks of the hammer usually get the shaft out of the transaxle without damage. This is required. A pry bar will damage the engine/transaxle.

CV axle socket: The outer splines of the axle slide through the wheel hub and are kept in place with a large nut. These are very large nuts, typically from 29 mm to 38 mm. These are rarely used outside of CV axle service, but if you work on cars long enough, you find other uses for them. A full set is nice, but you only need the size for your vehicle.

CV axle grease: Use CV axle grease on a CV axle and nothing else. The packaging must specifically list CV axles as an application. Any other type of grease is not suitable. This grease is typically lithium-based with special modifiers such as molybdenum disulfide (moly) and graphite.

Other Parts You May Need for a CV Axle Replacement

A new replacement CV axle installed in a vehicle. — Replacing the CV axle is a good time to replace a number of other parts.

Removing a CV axle typically requires disconnecting a ball joint, the tie rod end, and the axle nut. It is a good idea to replace these at the same time.

You may need a new axle nut as well. The axle nut is reusable about 40 percent of the time, but this depends on the make and model. New axles come with a new nut, but rebuilding a boot usually requires replacing the nut, which is purchased separately. If the nut has a nylon locker, it must be replaced. Some vehicles reuse the original nut, but it must be staked after being torqued. That means it must be peened to the axle in two to three places with a hammer and punch. The best practice is replacement. Staking is still required for many axle nuts.

Another optional replacement part is the wheel bearing. If the CV joint failed, the wheel bearings may have some additional wear. Replacing these now saves you time down the road.

Doing a brake job is also a good idea. You have a great view of all your brake components. Inspect them. Brake components would be easy to replace since the corner of your vehicle is already disassembled.

About the author

Jefferson Bryant

A lifelong gearhead, Jefferson Bryant got his first car when he was two: a Fisher-Price convertible. An industry veteran for over 30 years, Jefferson started in car audio, working his way up to product designer for Rockford Fosgate. He has written nine books and countless magazine articles about automotive technology. Jefferson also produces tech videos on YouTube. His pride and joy is a 1971 Buick GS Convertible with a swapped Procharged Gen V LT1, which he used to drive his newborn kids home from the hospital.

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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.