In 1995, the Toyota 4Runner was equipped with an independent front suspension. The four wheel drive model used CV axles to drive the front tires when four wheel drive was engaged. The CV, or constant velocity, axle may need to be replaced due to breakage or worn out CV joints. You can have the CV axle changed in an afternoon.
Set the wheel chocks at the rear tires, one in front and one behind, to prevent the vehicle from moving while it’s up on jacks.
Lift the front of the vehicle with the jack, and place the jack under the frame rails, so that when the jack is lowered, the front suspension will droop, with the front tires off the ground.
Remove the front tire on whichever side you’re going to replace the axle on.
Remove the six nuts that hold the hub flange on, located near the studs that the tire mounts to. Underneath these nuts are cone washers. Tap around the outside of the hub flange with a hammer. This will cause the cone washers to pop out.
Remove the gold colored axle cap from the end of the axle by gently tapping it with a hammer or using a screwdriver to pry it off. Remove the gold screw from the end of the axle. Remove the snap ring and washer.
Disconnect the shock absorber and remove it. Unbolt the sway bar connection link from the lower control arm. Unbolt the castellated nut and four bolts from the lower ball joint and gently pry down on the lower control arm with the 2x4 to create more room to slide out the CV axle.
Remove the six nuts, using your socket wrench and extension, holding the inner flange of the CV axle to the front differential.
Drop the inner portion of the CV axle down as far as it will go, then remove the axle by pulling it towards the center of the vehicle.
Assemble the new axle by putting on the new CV boots. Slide the tripod joint onto the splined end of the axle. Pack the new CV boots with the grease provided. Install the snap ring onto the splined end of the axle, which holds the tripod joint in place. Tighten down the four clamps that hold the CV boots in place.
Install the new axle by sliding the outer portion of the axle through the center of the hub, the same way the old one came out. Lift the inner portion of the axle up and slide the flange over the studs. Attach the flange to the differential by reinstalling the nuts and tightening them down.
Lift the lower control arm back into place and reinstall the four bolts and castellated nut holding the lower control arm and lower ball joint together. Reinstall the shock absorber and reattach the sway bar link to the lower control arm.
Put the washer back onto the outer, splined portion of the axle. Install the snap ring back in place, making sure it slides into the groove on the axle. Put the gold bolt back into the end of the axle and tighten it down. Install the gold cover back over the end of the axle, using a hammer to gently tap it back into place.
Install the hub flange back in place over the end of the axle. Put the six cone washers back in place over the studs. Screw the nuts back in place on the studs and tighten them down. This will force the cone washers to seat into the holes.
Put your tire back on and tighten down the lug nuts. Jack your 4Runner up, remove the jack stands and lower it to the ground.
