The "CV" in CV joint stands for '"constant Velocity." It is a fitting name for an axle that maintains a constant rotational speed as a vehicle drives over rough or uneven terrain. The CV joint is the mechanical connection between the engine and your drive wheels. They have the ability to bend in different directions while maintaining torque and engine speed. Most CV joints are considered "sealed," requiring no manual lubrication.
Park your Corolla on a level surface that is free of gravel. Turn off the engine and raise the hood. Disconnect the negative battery cable by loosening the clamp with a wrench. If you have an airbag-equipped car, wait 90 seconds before going to the next step.
Remove the covers in the center of both front wheels with a flat-head screwdriver. Pry of the metal cap in the center to reveal the axle lock nut and cotter pin. Use pliers to pull out the cotter pin and throw it away. Use a ratchet and socket to loosen and remove the axle nut.
Jack up the front of the car with a floor jack. Position jack stands under the car. Lower the car down onto a set of jack stands. Pull the floor jack out from under the vehicle.
Remove the wheel lug nuts with a lug nut wrench and remove both front wheels. Remove the plastic engine covers from the bottom of the vehicle with a ratchet.
Position a drain pan underneath the transmission drain plug. Use a ratchet to loosen and remove the plug. Allow all of the fluid to drain into the pan. Reinstall the drain plug. Tighten it with a ratchet and socket.
Determine whether the vehicle has ABS brakes. There should be an electrical connector at the wheel hub area connected to a speed sensor. If you have this system, remove the speed sensor by removing the retaining bolt with a ratchet.
Separate the steering knuckle from the ball joint by removing the nut with a ratchet. Use a pry bar to separate them if they get stuck. Separate the lower suspension arm from the lower ball joint by removing the nut with a ratchet. Use a pry bar if it gets stuck.
Tap the CV joint out of the wheel knuckle by hitting it with a plastic hammer. Tap it toward the transmission. Position a pry bar at the inner part of the CV joint and carefully pry the CV joint out of the transmission.
Set the CV joint to the side and put away all tools.
