How to Replace CV Axle Chevrolet Volt 2010-2015 Gen 1 - Full Tutorial

Here is a video tutorial on a driver's side CV axle replacement for a first generation Chevy Volt. A bad CV axle can leak grease out of the boot or even groan and clunk during driving.
CV Axle: www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/c...
Nut: amzn.to/2IFpFLp
Washer: www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-par...
If you have a car question ask it completely free at www.2carpros.com/questions/new
*Disclaimer: Please use all safety precautions

[@kenclark3953]

Just did this, and didn't go like it did for them. The ball joint stud wasn't willingly going anywhere. Other videos used the 'disconnect the strut bolts' method, which I did (marking the position of the top bolt, since it's camed). 'Course, that was after fighting with the balljoint and thinking "if it's this hard to get out, how will I get it back in?" BTW, the right way to get the swaybar link is to use a torx bit inside of a box-end wrench - worked great. You need to put a jack under the rotor, or knuckle or something to get the swaybar link lined up to remove it (and then to put it in again.). Easiest way I found to get the axle out was to go under the car, put a socket extension on the inside body of the axle, going over the top of the frame, and tap the other end of the socket extension with a mallet toward the outside. Popped out really easily that way. Putting it back in required some wiggling of the inside body, not slamming in the axle like shown. Also, I bought a new axle nut and it was a completely different nut size! I used the nut that came with the axle instead. Very helpful video!

[@roche1777]

Does anybody have a video of the fluid that needs to be replaced that leaked out of the transmission and where and how it is poured in back

[@Foxxie55]

I just watched the video, and you covered the part# and lots of information that is helpful.. I just jumped to buy the parts needed. and guess what GM does not have that washer for sale now.. What a bummer.. Trying to find one so I can do the job.. Thanks for the great video

[@oellasawandtool]

Very clear instruction. Excellent. Definitely looks like a hard job even for an experienced DIYer. We have a 2014 V with a small tear in the boot. In the old days, we would repair the boot... Not sure if I want o do it or sub it out.

[@2carpros]

It would be a challenge on jack stands but not impossible. Yeah these days its worth it to just get a new CV Axle. Thanks for watching!

[@mrbrown099]

Great Video! I'll be attempting this on my 14 Volt soon.

[@2carpros]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@wildnectar]

This was a very informative, step by step, informational vid- thank you! I’m also wondering about that metal seal that faces the transmission- was that a new part and if so does it require a washer? Thanks so much for your time and clarification

[@geraldjones1723]

Just replaced my left side CV axle on a 2013 Volt with 116K miles. Thank you for the video.

[@2carpros]

Awesome! Thanks for watching Gerald!

[@nicholasbabeaux2052]

Did you ever have that ticking noise at low speeds, all the forums say that it was the axle nut, I bought the updated ones, but now I’m doing my axles, what brand axles did you put on? I got track motives because they were cheap and well rated

[@geraldjones1723]

Nick Babeaux Yes, I had the clicking noise with the original left side axle. I loosed the axle nut and torqued it to the correct value and that solved the problem. I replaced the left side axle because the boot tore and was leaking grease, which I discovered while rotating my tires. I used GSP North America NCV10310.

[@jthet2001]

Great video! I don't need to replace my axle, but I will use this info to replace the drive axle nut and washer on my 2014. I have the dreaded "click." Seems I just need to do everything in the video except actually taking the axle out from the transmission. I like the fan shroud with vent holes in the background, I just did that on my truck.

[@2carpros]

Very cool! Thanks for watching!

[@albertomunoz8715]

Hi! Did that work or did you have to replace the whole axle? Thanks"

[@stanleykinzinger]

great tutorial man!!!!

[@HowToDoitright]

Why didn’t you change the axle seal that is in between axle and transmission/drive unit ? Isn’t that important to change?

[@Local_Guy]

Just did this in 2 hours flat with going to ace hardware to buy a 32mm socket and a 36mm socket for the aftermarket axel nut. Suckers mint. I have a lot of tools though. Would have also taken longer if I hadn't had my father go pick up a new torque wrench for me. At most a 3 hour job WITH 2 PEOPLE. With 1 person, good luck.

[@2carpros]

Nice work getting it done though! Took me about 3 hours by myself but, I was filming which always takes longer. Thanks for watching!

[@Local_Guy]

@@2carpros without your help it wouldn't have gone so smoothly. My friend and I seriously appreciate you're help man!

[@Maidoumurnot]

Thank you so much!

[@TheYonderGod]

I'm pretty sure I didn't remove the ball joint when I did this like a year ago. Now I'm preparing to do the other side, I'm wondering if I risked damaging the axle by bending it (at the joint) last time.

[@2carpros]

This is how GM says to do it. Can't recommend any other way. Thanks for watching!

[@EAC202]

Just a PSA the ball joint bolt and nut are tty and supposed to be replaced every time as well.

[@johnmartinez6793]

Not sure how far the cv axle needs to go in against the seal the video didn't show a close up i have a gap after attempting my instal but can't push axle in anymore any suggestions

[@2carpros]

It is quite a hard push honestly. If it isn't against the seal it isn't installed. Try installing it again. Thanks for watching!

[@uchiaslaya7]

If I'm having a hard time separating the ball joint from the LCA, can I just drop the LCA?

[@2carpros]

Yeah if you want, you might have to get the alignment redone though. Thanks for watching!

[@outsidethelines2162]

10/10

[@dannybopp]

Thanks for the video! I just replaced my passenger side cv axle, and yes, there is one additional bracket to remove. When driving my car, I’m getting a tiny vibration at 12mph now. Do you know what that may be? I’ve only replaced the passenger side cv axle

[@Mr73stroker]

I also encounter the same issue. Just curious if this problem of yours was ever solved?

[@Mr73stroker]

Also this axle I used. GSP NCV10310 CV Axle Shaft... www.amazon.com/dp/B082T61YSQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@dannybopp]

@@Mr73stroker I figured out that the aftermarket CV axle that I installed was not perfectly true. I learned it's a crap shoot if you buy aftermarket cv axles. I eventually bought OEM here; www.gmpartsdirect.com/

[@Mr73stroker]

@@dannybopp same here! Replaced with oem and no more issues. Removing the aftermarket axle was a real pain! Very hesitant to buy aftermarket parts from this point on.

[@highmann5914]

is it two bolts thats holding the bracket, am working on mines right now.

[@DidToucour]

Hello. Is it necessary to level gearbox fluid after this change. What is the spec of it? Thank you

[@2carpros]

Depends how much leaks out. If you are quick like me very little comes out so you most likely don't have to replace it. I believe the newest Dextron is the correct fluid but double check with a parts house. Thanks for watching!

[@DidToucour]

@@2carpros thank you for your answer. In france its really difficult to grab information for this car because of bad selling result of GM Opel.

[@djzvio]

After replacing the CV Axle, I got a vibration when accelerating at low speed, what do you think could be the matter?

[@2carpros]

I'd say either the CV Axle is bad from the factory or the hub is going out. Thanks for watching!

[@HowToDoitright]

@@2carpros what is a hub?

[@ELSAMRAS1]

For those that are trying to replace the seal on the transmission. There is 3 bolts that hold that housing. Unbolt and remove housing then the seal can be punched out much easier table-side.

[@2carpros]

Very cool! Thanks for watching!

[@ELSAMRAS1]

@@2carpros ya buddy absolutely. Taking that seal out was a pain. Almost wanted to make a video but my car was being done on Jack stand in garage with little room and crappy lighting. Chevy engineers actually did put some thought into replacing this part hurray.

[@2carpros]

@@ELSAMRAS1 I like Chevys for reason!

[@brianbyers4316]

Does anyone have a video on replacing the passenger side cv axle?

[@2carpros]

So I did a huge video on changing the clutch on a Sonic. They are very very similar and in that video I did do the passenger side CV. Check it out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bH-Zk2h8Z6ibr6c

[@dtkywtan]

Great informative tutorial video. However, for me ... it is very sad to watch because I previously brought my 2012 Volt to a local tire shop (4.7 stars with many Google reviews) for driver-side CV axle replacement. Unlike this video professionally did it step by step, the mechanic was working as "barbarian-style" with excesses force for speeding process. Not to mention, for them there's nothing such as "torque to factory specs". The driving characteristic has changed to somehow weird afterward; despite using the original GM OEM axle. The worst case scenario now is my car just couldn't pass smog check due to both ABS and TCS warnings and triggering the check engine light with a permanent fault code of C1222. A dealer wants more than $2K for replacing wheel speed sensor and hub assembly, and they recommend to do both sides at once. Anyway, what a lesson for how much a bad mechanic can mess up your car.

[@2carpros]

Thanks so much for watching. That is very typical of mechanics sadly. But look at it from their perspective. They are under a timer to get the job done or the service writer takes it out of their pay. I've never seen a mechanic even at a dealer use a torque wrench, I have several friends that work at dealers. It just really isn't used. Here in internet land I can take as long as I like because I'm filming and I don't have a service writer. So I can get everything perfectly right like it would be from factory. Yeah it's not a bad idea to do both if one goes out. The other is probably right behind it. Sorry that happened to you. Thanks for watching though!

[@danwat1234]

PSA: Trakmotive/Surtrack brand axles sucks. Twice now it has failed on me on my 2013 Chevy Volt, part GM-8347. November 2022, it broke in half. March 2023, it exploded. Apparently cannot handle the torque of a 150HP electric motor. This is 100% true and accurate testimony. Dashcam of the latest failure is on my channel

[@roche1777]

i forgot the washers it drives fine any danger on that ??

[@2carpros]

The concern is load distribution, vibration protection, and self loosening protection. I would definitely put them back. Thanks for watching!

[@cheeriomartinez]

For some reason they dont sell the washer anymore.

[@timapplegate5255]

Definitely need to top back off any lost transmission fluid. Even more important since this is actually an electric drive unit.

[@2carpros]

I mean only a tiny amount came out when I did it but if it takes your all day to replace the axle then yeah top it off. Thanks for watching!

[@lizardjack76]

Topping up the transmission fluid would be a great idea

[@2carpros]

Great suggestion!

[@Anthony-ys4lp]

Now I feel like an ass for paying the dealer $800 to replace both sides...

[@2carpros]

Ouch. Next time! Thanks for watching!

[@travisolson9190]

I was quoted $1600

[@matjazlesnjak4983]

u forgot to check and refill transmittion fluid...

[@2carpros]

Considering there isn't a transmission dipstick not sure how'd you do that. If you act quickly you won't lose very much fluid. Thanks for watching!

[@matjazlesnjak4983]

then how do you know how much oil to put in when u change oil?

[@KTPurdy]

@@matjazlesnjak4983 Undo the top bolt and add fluid until if flows out.

[@timapplegate5255]

There are 3 holes on the volt electric drive unit (transmission) One fill hole on the top, one fluid level hole on the side, and one drain hole on the bottom.

[@HowToDoitright]

I heard the seal between the axle and transmission needs to be replaced and that was not done here. Not sure how important it is to be honest.

[@stanleykinzinger]

where do i find axle shaft seals?

[@2carpros]

Try rockauto, or if you are desperate the dealer. Thanks for watching!