Constant velocity (CV) joints transfer power from an automobile's transmission to its wheels. CV axles lock inside the transmission on one end; the other end is mounted through the hub assembly. A large nut secures the CV joint and locks it in place at the wheel. Installed on each end of the CV axle is a rubber boot that protects the bearing in the axle from water and dirt. The 98 Ford Windstar is a front-wheel-drive vehicle; as such, its CV axles are located at the front wheels.
Park the vehicle on solid, level ground. Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks in front of and behind the rear tires.
Use the axle nut socket and the breaker bar to remove the axle nut from the axle and hub assembly. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel, using the lug wrench.
Place the jack under the vehicle and lift the vehicle until the front tires are well off the ground. Place jack stands under the vehicle's frame, toward the front, and lower the jack until the front of the van is resting on the jack stands. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel, then remove the wheel.
Remove the nut from the lower ball joint knuckle, using a 5/8-inch socket and ratchet. Use a hammer to drive the bolt out after removing the nut. Place a drain pan under the axle close to the transmission to catch any lost fluid.
Use the pry bar to pry the lower ball joint from the knuckle on the arm. Once the ball joint and knuckle are separated, slide the axle from the hub assembly by hand. Place the pry bar between the axle and the transmission, and pry the axle from the transmission. Remove the axle from the vehicle.
Install the inner axle shaft of the new CV axle into the transmission. Push the axle in until it locks in place. Place the outer CV axle shaft into the axle hub assembly and install the new axle nut.
Place the lower joint into the knuckle of the arm and install the bolt. Place the nut on the bolt and tighten it in place. Install the wheel and secure the lug nuts hand tight. Raise the Windstar slightly using the jack, remove the jack stand, lower the jack, tighten the lugs with a lug wrench, and tighten the axle nut with a wrench.
