2007 - 2012 Nissan Altima 2.5L Driver Side CV Axle Replacement!

[@TrickShiftGarage]

UPDATE: The torque spec for the Spindle Nut is the following: 2007: 92 ft-lbs 2008-2012: 129 ft-lbs

[@juandehoyos1103]

Thank you for the way you describe the steps of the CV axle job. You were clear on the steps and your video quality was excellent thank you again 👍

[@TrickShiftGarage]

You're welcome Juan! Glad that you found the video and it helped get your car back on the road! Thanks for watching always! 😁

[@mikesen2320]

Heh dude, great video. I got an issue that just doesnt make sense. My front passenger axle boot was cracked and so i replaced the entire axle. After seeing several videos and reading the nissan oem repair manual i did it LIKE ANYONE ELSE WOULD. AFTER that, my car starting to vibrate and shake violently between 40 and 60 mph. NO OTHER SPEEDS. AND THE VIBRATIONS WOULDNT OCCUR ALL THE TIME. I took the car to the nissan dealer and they said it was the lower control arms. 1600 to replace two controls arms. So i did it myself. After that, the problem still existed. Went for a 4 wheel THRUST Alignment and they found i had a bent wheel. So i fixed that. PROBLEM STILL THERE. I replaced the stabilizer connecting rods on both sides. PROBLEM STILL THERE. I then changed the front struts on both sides and guess what..PROBLEM STILL THERE. Motor mounts on top are good. Motor mounts below tranny and by the airbox seem good. No cracking or visual displsys of damage. Yesterday I took the wheel off agsin and found that the spindle nut was loose. This caused the axle to have slight movement. So i tightened it. Wiggled the axle which had no more wiggle play then the factory driver side axle. Guess WHAT..DROVE THE THING AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. ALL THESE REMEDIES AND THE ISSUE IS STILL THERE. WHEELS ARE BALANCED, WEIGHTED AND WITH NO ISSUES. AT THIS POINT IM COMPLETE LOST. WHAT WOULD MAKE THE car vibrate while axcellerating ONLY BETWEEN 40 TO 60 and intermittently? And yes, everything is bolted down. The passenger axle is inserted all the way! I know this because theres no fluid leaking from the transaxle case. Do you have any ideas of what this could be? Its a 2012 nissan altima sl. Cvt. And i replaced the passenger side axle. What kills me is that the shop said it was the lower A arms and they wanted 1600. Obviously the lower A arms were not the reason. Also, ive read some threads where people have came across new axles from autozone etc, and they are defective from the start. Causing the issue im having. Agsin, wheels, tire, suspension, motor mounts all chsnged and/ or not chsnged because undamaged and still the problem exist....any info would be deeply appreciated...sorry for the long narrative....

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Hey Mike! Sorry to hear about your troubles. I think it might be the axle itself that is unbalanced and so may only vibrate under certain loads between 40-60? I would try replacing the passenger axle with another and see if the problem goes away. If it does great! If it doesn't, just return that new axle. You've done a good job replacing and getting things fixed, the last thing to do is replace the axle and see if that resolves your issue. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching! 👍

[@mikesen2320]

You are the coolest brotha. Thanks for your help. Ill do that and see if it goes away because theres nothing else to tinker with. If the trsnny was messed up in any kind of way the problrm would be compounded by slipping and noises. Dude, how funny would it be to pop in another drive axle and find that it was indeed the axle. That would be the very first time O bought a car part and it was defective. Anyway, ill keep ya posted. Im sure someone else will have this issue also...

[@mikesen2320]

DUDE! I TOOK OFF THE BRAND NEW AXLE BECAUSE of the vibrations. I then took the completely new axle FROM AUTOZONE.....GUESS WHAT? IT FIXED THE ISSUE. FINALLY. NO MORE VIBRATION. TH issue was the last part of the axle that goes into the wheel hub assembly. The new axle I bought 2 months ago showed signs of failure within the boot. Although the axle looked new, the shaft that has the spindle end was too wobbly and almost seemed disconnected from the rest of the axle. When I compared it to the axle I just bought this week, the new spindle endvwith the boot seemed stiffer and connected..First time i bought a brand new DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. ANYWAY thanks for your help dude.. ROCK ON WITH THE VIDEOS..!!

[@davidm3210]

@@mikesen2320 Really impressive perseverance, congrats! I ALWAYS spend extra for quality parts, Rock Auto has a pretty good selection - I only by Fast Orange at Auto Zone!

[@adamochristian]

@@mikesen2320 hi im having the same problem

[@321matt]

I came across your channel and subbed all because I have about the same car 2010 Nissan Altima 3.5 sr (giving me a lot of problems 152k I don’t think the last owner paid much attention to maintenance of the car). Cv axle clicking, alternator went out a few months ago, the same window in the back busted out, idle will go up and down a bit when you have it in drive but stopped at a stop light or stop sign. I had a 2016 Cruze before this both from the dealer. Before that I had a 2007 Honda Civic loved that car but insurance totaled it out at 320k miles. Keep up the good work

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Thank you! And thank you so much for subscribing, really appreciate it! It sure does sound like that car wasn't looked after as well as it should have. My Altima is closing in on 200k miles now and has been very reliable until the miles started creeping up. But that's okay, it keeps us busy making more videos 😂...plenty more Altima content to come. Thanks for watching and subscribing! 👍

[@321matt]

@@TrickShiftGarage you’re welcome anytime yea it really wasn’t looked after at all. The interior is actually pretty nice except for the middle console the leather has been cracked. I can say that is from age you know? Hopefully my Altima lasts can’t wait to see more continent from you guys.

[@d.w.5496]

Slide hammer does amazing in taking the cv out rather than by hand

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Very true, thanks for the tip 🙂

[@andytraff5684]

Great tip with the anti-seize on the hub assembly.. makes it so much easier to change rotors down the road!

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Yes Sir! Thanks for watching Andy! 🙂

[@andytraff5684]

@@TrickShiftGarage I needed a good video of this to refer my buddy to watch so didn't have to walk him through over the phone.. I liked the way you told the real story about sometimes parts dont just pop out and you need to actually work at it.. I can't stand it when videos just show it all coming apart like magic.. then people always say, "its stuck in there, it wont come off.. the video I saw, it just sort of fell apart for him" that's simply not reality! So thank you for being realisic!!!

[@TrickShiftGarage]

You're welcome! I don't like those videos either, if something is hard to do you'll hear it from me first! 😂 That driveside axle was a real fight to get out and install, just try to keep the axle straight and aligned with the opening and it should go in eventually 👍

[@andytraff5684]

@@TrickShiftGarage well you got me as a subscriber!! oh dont I know it bud.. sometimes what I'll do is grease the splines, then put the hub end in first, that way when u go put the tranny end in, it holds it in a strait forward position.. then I take a nylon soft hammer, that's almost as heavy as a hand sledge, and tap the hub end a few times and it will usually pop into the tranny.. the pop of hitting it will compress the c-clip a little easier..

[@DistinctGamer_]

Great video brotha! Question for you, any time I let my car sit, parking brake on or not, once I shift it from Park to Drive, it makes a “thud” noise. Also after driving it after this, going into reverse it makes the “thud” noise as well. HOWEVER, after it does it once, it won’t make the noise again unless the car sits for a while. Any thoughts?

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Thanks brotha! I recommend checking your fluid level and making sure it's not low or overfilled. Once the fluid level is checked and good, inspect the fluid condition. If it's very dark and/or smelling burnt, replace the fluid and filter. If that doesn't fix things, I'd take it into a transmission shop that specializes in CVTs and let them diagnose what's going on. Hope this helps!

[@DistinctGamer_]

@@TrickShiftGarage thanks my man 🤙

[@JamesElizondo-mz7nq]

Hey trick I can't get the CV axle out of the knuckle. I've used Wd40, torch, and banged it pretty good with a hammer. Ain't budging. Any tips?

[@NeutronX101]

Checked the service manual. A breaker bar will separate the axle from the transmission for future.

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Oh man, I'd be nervous about messing the internals up by pulling the axle out with a breaker bar, not gonna lie. It should come out eventually as long as the axle is straight out and you give it some good hard pulls. Thanks for watching Neutron! 👍

[@losofficial7896]

What CV axle did you purchase and use? I am looking for a reliable cv axle on my 2009 Nissan Altima. Is there any brands you recommend?

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Hi Carlos! I'd recommend Cardone, GSP or Duralast, they make pretty good ones. Hope this helps and thanks for watching! 👍

[@joeteich7237]

Re the c clip on axle…always ensure the open ends are pointed down. When removing axle, May have to rotate axle to try and get c clip ends down. I’m a retired twenty plus year tech. Just a helpful hint.

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Thanks Joe! Appreciate the helpful hint.

[@michaelromano2092]

Exactly why I clicked this video! Thanks for the tip!

[@bobbymiller8563]

Joe Teich - Before removing CV Axle how can you tell when the opened end C Clip is facing down. Doesn’t that C CLIP move freely on the axle. Plus it’s not visible before removing the cv axle. I need the replace the Drivers side CV Axle in the fathers 2015 Rogue. The boot is ripped and cv joint is making a noise. I don’t want After Market part. I want to buy original new CV axle. I don’t trust After Market parts. I want to do the job Right the first time. Thank you.

[@joeteich7237]

@@bobbymiller8563 , sometimes you have to rotate the axle while pulling it out to find a “ sweet spot” . During installation, you preposition the clip. Then, apply force to seat axle stub in. It’s just easier with it down, but, can still be a rascal. Yes, the clip can rotate if you rotate the shaft during installation. However, once it gets against the side gear, it’ll stay in last position you put it in. Hope this helps.

[@bobbymiller8563]

@@joeteich7237 thank you for getting back to me.

[@gottosahani7571]

Thanks for the video

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment Gotto!

[@mikegsg9r]

One thing I encountered is the c clip on my aftermarket cv didn't seem to be compressed enough. I spent over an HR trying to get it in before I determined that had to be the case. I used a plyers to compress it and a torch to heat it well I held it compressed. After it went in in a few tries and stayed in.

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Yes, I struggled for awhile with that c clip!!! Mine seemed to be okay, I think, it's been awhile at this point haha, but that's a good idea if the c clip was too spaced out, I think you'll be fine as long as you tested it by trying to pull it out and it held in place, you should be good to go! Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@adelinacortes3807]

If I have transmission issues, can replacing the axle mess it up even more. I was wondering because I know for a fact I need to replace my axle on both the passenger and driver side but I wasn’t sure if that would damage my transmission if I’ve been having some issues with it already.

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Hello Adelina! I don't think it would make the transmission issues worse, but it's always a possiblity. I'm not really sure about this. I'd hate for you to replace the axles and it does make it worse though. You should probably have transmission specialist have a look to be sure. Thanks for watching! 👍

[@adelinacortes3807]

@@TrickShiftGarage ok thank you so much for the feedback. I will do that. 😁

[@TrickShiftGarage]

You're welcome, have a great weekend!

[@NeutronX101]

Are those good brake rotors? My stock ones need to be replaced soon.

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Yes they've been holding up great! Here's an older video of us installing them here: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIrSeKdjgc6Ng9E

[@tylrum5510]

Where the cv axle slides through drivver side of transmission Then pin fell down when pulling axle out and was wondering how i get pin to go back to its original place with trans installed?...i have picture as well if someoycan help

[@juniorbonilla4796]

Will bad cv joints affect cvt I have a 2012 Altima and it’s leaking and smells like cvt oil

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Yes, bad CV joints could affect the CVT. There are seals that go around where the CV axles mate to the CVT that sounds like they could be leaking. So when you do replace the CV joints replace those seals too. Hope this helps, thanks for watching! 🙂

[@davidrodish7802]

so, at 0:59 you said the caliper bolt was 19mm, but at 9:27 you said it's 22mm. So... which is it?

[@TrickShiftGarage]

My apologies, it's a 19 mm.

[@cb_andyy4593]

Hey I replaced my axles and the car is not cranking when switching gears

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Hey, sorry to hear that. Best I can tell you is to check your fluid level to make sure it's at the right level. Some CVT fluid is lost pulling the axle out. Hope this helps, thanks for watching! 👍

[@patsmith6405]

The tip of my new axle passed the c clip was about half the Length of the old axle. If the old tip was 1.5 inches I would say the new axle tip is 3/4 inches long. Is that something that happens with new parts or should I be concerned in you opinion?

[@TrickShiftGarage]

In my opinion, I would be concerned about it. That large of a difference in length would unfortunately motivate me take both old and new axles to a car part store or a Nissan shop and ask them for a second opinion. When I replaced my axle the overall length and the length after the c-clip were identical.

[@patsmith6405]

@@TrickShiftGarage thank you, I took the part back and ordered a different one because it’s certainly wrong. Autozone. Nissan dealer told me they can’t buy a Nissan Cube axle in all of the USA he seen one he had a chance at and they wanted $600 for it. Apparently they stopped making parts for it. 2009. So I am a little skeptical of what I’m going to find at autozone tommorw! But I have my fingers crossed.

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Ok good, glad to hear back from you on that. I was thinking the part was wrong since the dimensions were so far off from each other. Wow, I didn't know they stopped making parts for the Cube, $600 for an axle is crazy! Hopefully AutoZone gets the right part for you. Let me know how it goes for you tomorrow 🤞🤞🤞

[@patsmith6405]

Once my car is jacked up, will there be pressure pushing down on my strut still? Like am I going to need a struck compressor before I unbolt the 2 strut bolts from the wheel?

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Hi Pat! Nope, there should be no pressure pushing down. Once you lift your car, and the wheel is off the ground the strut becomes fully extended so you should be fine to loosen the 2 bolts from the wheel without worrying about any pressure. Let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

[@patsmith6405]

@@TrickShiftGarage thanks for the quick reply! Appreciated

[@TrickShiftGarage]

No problem, good luck and thanks for watching!👍

[@twelvepercentitalian2511]

Put the open end of the retaining clip up. This took me a hour and a half to remove and replace the cv axle. I lost about 2/3 of a cup of transmission fluid. Thanks for the video. Also the cotter pin is 5/32 x 2 inches if anyone needs that information.

[@giovannirichard8167]

Will it matter if you add put a different brand of cat fluid then the one that’s already in it?

[@TrickShiftGarage]

No, it shouldn't matter on the brand but keep in mind that these CVT transmissions require NS-2 type of fluid. It is a Nissan standard. So basically, as long as the transmission fluid has Nissan NS-2 on there, you'll be good!

[@humbertosrperez]

Awesome

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Thanks for watching!🙂

[@candidogonzalez5853]

Does alignment is needed after this job?

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Nope, no alignment needed. Thanks for watching! 😎

[@BrailsfordsRides]

I dont have a Nissan anymore but well done lol

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Well... Just in case you ever do get back into an Altima, this will come in handy 😉

[@BrailsfordsRides]

@@TrickShiftGarage for sure I am a certified youtube mechanic

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Lol right, aren't we all? 😎

[@linnyjones9134]

When I try to torque the big axle nut, my rotor starts to spin. Is this normal?

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Yeah, if both front wheels are off the ground it will do that. You can lay a pry bar across your wheel hub studs and have it rotate until the bar hits the ground. Or even easier just have someone push the brake pedal while your tightening the nut.

[@linnyjones9134]

Thank you so much! Appreciate the quick reply. Just did both side because of your video! Saved me tons 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@TrickShiftGarage]

You're welcome Linny! Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@scottcarpenter8434]

Use a pry bar to snap cv axle out of the housing

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Thanks for the tip! 😁

[@NeutronX101]

The c clip is only on the driver's side not the passenger side?

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Correct, the passenger side is held on by that mounting plate.

[@carlosalonso4823]

How much transmission fluid did you lose?

[@TrickShiftGarage]

I lost about a half quart. But yours may also vary depending if you were low before. So just add about a quarter at a time and check until full. Thanks for watching!

[@95redchevy]

How do you know when its time to replace the cv axels?

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Generally, you know when your CV axle is bad when: -You have grease slung around the axle, all over the wheel well and drivetrain parts. This means the rubber boot/s have failed, like mine did on the passenger side. -Your car makes loud clicking noises when turning your car. -Alot of vibration felt from the side of the bad CV axle. Thanks for watching! 👍

[@95redchevy]

@@TrickShiftGarage thank you

[@TrickShiftGarage]

You're welcome!

[@frankjacks6362]

What about the fluid loss?

[@TrickShiftGarage]

I ended up adding about a half quart of transmission fluid.

[@BrailsfordsRides]

First

[@TrickShiftGarage]

😂👍

[@NotAJ-yn3xe]

My brake line clips never go on that easy

[@ttyes77]

Sub 👌

[@TrickShiftGarage]

Thanks TT 😁👍