2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek front cv axle Replacement with HD NAPA axles

[@coreybarnett4269]

Update to this video: There was a slight chatter noise coming from the front differential after changing both cv axles. I changed the front differential fluid and this eliminated the chatter noise. I highly recommend you to change your front differential fluid when you change CV axles to eliminate any issues. It is a challenge to change front diff fluid but can be done if you take your time.

[@workhardno1cares]

Good Idea thank you!! Im almost to 70k and these went out about 62k. I am pretty rough on it and climb over rocks and wash outs lol. Doing the lift at the same time. :) Thanks for the video!

[@marianfconcepcion]

hello, do u have a link where u bought the chinese axle? thnx

[@markschwarzbauer4555]

Thanks Corey. I like how you pulled the axle straight out. Worked for me after seeing you do it. I was prying unsuccessfully. Thanks for the demo.

[@samfordja]

I just replaced my CV axle on my 2014 Subaru Crosstrek that was making a clicking sound as I turned sharply. I bought a lifetime duramax axle from AutoZone for like $130 so if it fails I get it replaced for free. One thing I forgot to do was put the car in Neutral and once I did the axle went right back in. The other thing I found is that the alignment bolt and bottom bolt were really damn tight so I used a socket wrench and a hammered on the handle of the socket wrench with the handle of the hammer to knock it loose since I didn't have a breaker bar for the socket I was using. All in all it took me about 1hr or less to complete the project. I just hope I did it right because I'm off to Vegas in it and last thing I need is my car falling apart on the way down.

[@NickBEADG]

Take the caliper off and hang it. It's only 2 lil bolts and take 1 minute. Will keep you from having to bleed it.

[@Mihogan]

Thanks for posting this my friend. My cv has failed on my 2015 at 53k miles. Question though. Couldn't you just remove the brake caliper from the knuckle so you don't have to remove the line and bleed?

[@coreybarnett4269]

Yes, I figured that out after we finished the video! Shade tree mechanic here, not a professional!

[@sulin422]

Under60k going to Subaru dealer free replace

[@coletrain6000]

It doesn't look too difficult. Thanks! I am gonna try to get the dealer to replace mine under warranty, but if that fails the HD Napa ones look like a great alternative.

[@coreybarnett4269]

Dont think I didnt notice that the cv axle messed up just outside of the warranty period! Thanks Subaru!

[@david100483]

That’s crappy axles failed so early. I just had to replace wheel bearing on rear passenger of my 13 crosstrek at 61k miles (right out of warranty 👎), I hope the rest of the car lasts longer lol. My last car was VW and had no issues other than fuel pump replacement at 160k, got rid of it at 200k and still running. Thanks for posting good diy!

[@gamblinfool777]

both of mine are bad at 70K and rear wheel bearing went bad also - sucks - apparently its very common - sucks

[@1empyre1life]

@@gamblinfool777 both front cv axles were done on my hybrid by 60k. Also a rear wheel bearing (passenger side).

[@denny5590]

Hey just wondering how they axles and the crosstrek have held up so far? And did the chatter that was fixed by changing out the diff oil occur only when shifting into drive or reverse? thanks for the video!

[@coreybarnett4269]

They started chattering again after 50,000 more miles. that seems to be all youre going to get out of them. not sure about reverse.

[@ChrisWY27]

Is the only difference in the "HD" axles the stronger boots? That's all the NAPA site seems to list and the price difference for the HD is only like $7 more. Also as a FYI to others I don't have to drain any fluids to do this job.

[@coreybarnett4269]

I am not sure about the boots, but they did seem to be a thicker material than the stock. I would highly suggest changing the differential fluid. I changed the front and rear and after I could tell the car was running a lot smoother all around, but mine did have high miles and it was around the time you should change it anyways.

[@scvkurt03]

Thanks for this vid. Doing this to my '15 with 98k on it this weekend. Also replacing springs/struts, and giving her a little 1/2" lift for some new wheels and tires. Curious about your exhaust setup. Mind letting us know what's going on there?

[@coreybarnett4269]

only thing i did to the exhaust was a $50 muffler delete.

[@AznGuyn01]

Im looking at napa website There or 2 axle for 76.49 and 97.49 Is there different? Which one that you got?

[@justinspony]

Do you recommend changing both cv axles in the front ? My front passenger cv is on its way out.

[@coreybarnett4269]

Go ahead and change both of them at the same time, and change the differential fluid too.

[@tunafishjoe]

I didn't need to remove brake lines or brake calipers when I replaced mine. Just work around them.

[@GuitarFreakNation]

Great video. Where did you get that front grille? It looks great.

[@coreybarnett4269]

It’s from Subaru. Mesh grill from dealership

[@brettw2994]

How is the NAPA axle assembly holding up? Recommend NAPA or OEM? Thanks!

[@coreybarnett4269]

We have put about 22,000 miles on the car since we changed it out and havent had any more issues whatsoever since swapping them out. We have taken it out on the beach several times, and up in the mountains on forestry service roads and normal highway usage.

[@coreybarnett4269]

We just hit 100k miles, been taking it off road, my wife uses it daily to drive to work, taken it on the beach numerous times.... no more problems or noise whatsoever.

[@gamblinfool777]

FYI - after market is only available for 2013 models - anything after that year is only available from the dealer for a whopping $400 each - ridiculous.

[@DrHumorous]

Great! You are very handy.

[@javishm]

Are these axles still holding up?

[@coreybarnett4269]

Javish Maharaj we got 50,000 miles before the chatter came back. It’s still doing it when you turn sharp but it’s ok for now.

[@marianfconcepcion]

do u have a link for the Chinese axle you installed?