’98 Rav4 CV axle

Hi! Dne’ here with another exciting blog! ha ha! My projects have been put on hold so that I can repair an emission problem or check engine light issue on our ’98 Rav4 AWD (all wheel drive) with an automatic transmission. However, after getting the Rav4 up on the MaxJax lift, I discovered other problems that also needed to be addressed!

I’m not the greatest diagnostician when it comes to the check engine light. (I’ll get to the cv axle soon, haven’t forgotten). The Dorman 911-604 Emission Vacuum Valve, seems to be the culprit, but this is another blog in itself! Whoever put this valve underneath the intake manifold should be shot! It’s crazy difficult to get to! And it’s nasty dirty greasy in the area where it is located! This photo is of the actual plug that goes to the valve. With the front passenger wheel removed, you can reach up under the intake and feel for the valve, and unplug it. I tried to unbolt it, but was impossible!  OK, long story short, I relocated the new valve.

Now, on with the show! ; )  This is the right front of the Rav4. This little SUV has 289,000 miles on it! Original engine and transmission! Excuse the rusty appearance, the little SUV had sat outside for some time, and by a water sprinkler that just happen to spray right in to this area!

I know that the axle nut has to be removed, so I took my long break over bar with a 30mm socket to break these nuts loose. The driver side posed no problem, but the passenger side cv axle nut was seized and gave me greatest grief! I put a long cheater bar on my already long break over bar, and NOTHING! Wouldn’t budge! I then put my torch to it, nothing! Onto the last resort and getting a little worried! 🙁

The reason I was worried, was what if I had to take it to a shop! That would be a DIY’er’s worst nightmare! but “Never Give up; never surrender!!” (quote from Galaxy Quest)

I drilled holes on the sides of the axle nut, then 180 degrees, did the same. I then took a small sharp chisel and was able to split the nut! ; )  I was happy!

I guess after 289,000 miles, I shouldn’t have been surprized to see this! Now there’s one thing to keep in mind here!! The grease that once was in that cv boot? Is all over everything!

Once the lower ball joint is unbolted, then the strut can be pulled out-of-the-way to gain access to the cv axle!  There’s two ways to discuss this, one is to take the cotter pin out, then remove the 19mm castle nut, then bang the lower knuckle and hope this breaks loose, or remove the two nuts and one bolt (all 17mm) that actually bolt the ball joint to the lower control arm. The latter way worked best for me.

With my RAV4 up on my MaxJax car lift, I was able to use a motorcycle tie down strap to pull the strut out of the way!~ I’m so creative! ; )

NOTE: I wasn’t paying attention, but the brake line is really being stretched in this photo! yikes! However, I eventually replaced both the front brake lines~ they were in bad shape! but if you’ll remove that one little 12mm bolt on the middle of the brake line, that will take the pressure from the hose!

Nice pic! Now to pull that thing out!   I told Gary(my husband), that this should be an easy two-hour job? ha!

BTW~ the tie rods do not have to be taken loose!

Here’s where I started  messing up! I pulled on the axle and it came apart and the grease in that inner boot went all over the place!  It was a horrible smell and just NASTY! You don’t want to let this happen! You don’t need to separate the shaft unless it’s just absolutely broken or something.

These are a few ways to get the axle out. Keep in mind, maybe on a slightly new vehicle, the axle may just be popped out with a decent pry bar.  I just happen to have a slide hammer kit! : ) Harbor Freight saved the day! 25 bucks!  Many auto parts stores have tools for loan or rent!

This one particular attachment, I was able to catch a lip and the passenger side just popped right out! It’s easier to illustrate on this new inner axle. However, the originals are a little different, but the same method applies.

Now you’re going to have to use your imagination here! The funny looking pry bar is a lady foot pry bar. Notice how it’s able to fit right in that groove, but not without the help of the large socket! Holding my tongue just right, I got a good hold on that lip and the axle popped right out!

Installing the new axle is a breeze, it’s pops in with a little effort! From here, it’s just a matter or re-assembly! ; )

Notes:  1) It would be a great idea to take the rav to the car wash to clean the lower frame and surrounding areas where you’ll be working! 2) Buy a box of Nitrile (rubber) gloves to keep your hands cleaner, or wear some gloves you’ll never use again, and buy some really good hand cleaner with the grit in it!  3) Important: AWD Rav4’s do not use the same axles as the front wheel drives! 4) Make a plan for this task and have all the parts you’ll need to save unnecessary trip to the auto parts!

If you should have any questions~ I’ll try to help! ; )  Please check out some of my other blogs on Classic Cars and Tools! and don’t forget to subscribe to my site! dne’