What else should be replaced when changing CV axles

KIWASABI1

MEMBER
2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
207,000 MILES

I've bought some OEM CV axles for my vehicle car listed above and I am wondering, what else should be done along with replacing my leaky CV axles? Power steering fluid flush? Is it like transmission fluid where I shouldn't flush it but only drain/fill? Any other parts I should change out while already replacing both CV axles? I've already done struts, inner and outer tie rods, both lower control arms, front sway bar links (still need to do rear, so I suppose I'll get those). I know I do need an alignment as my car is pulling to the right pretty bad.

6 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

Here are the answers to the questions you asked.The only time you need to do a power steering flush is when the system is contaminated.Contamination can also be caused by having a leak and different or the wrong type power steering fluid.If fluid looks good then no reason to flush.Sounds like you have changed most of the important steering and suspension components so yes, It would be wise to hold off on an alignment until after you replace the CV axles.Here is a tutorial showing what is involved for replacement of CV axles:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-cv-axle

I've attached step by step picture instructions below for the CV axle replacement for your Eclipse below.Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

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Saturday, June 6th, 2020 AT 3:04 AM

KIWASABI1

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198 POSTS

Both CV boots are torn and are leaking. So if the fluid is contaminated and needs replacing, should I flush or just bleed and fill the system? Just wondering if a flush is possibly damaging like a transmission flush can be.

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Saturday, June 6th, 2020 AT 3:30 AM

KIWASABI1

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198 POSTS

Also what does the fluid look like when it needs replacing?

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Saturday, June 6th, 2020 AT 3:30 AM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

Yes, CV axle boots that are torn or leaking will cause a loss of grease to the bearings that will cause axle failure. As far as power steering fluid discoloration would be more black in color as opposed to more normal red color. Also contamination can include debris or moisture. If you decide to flush you wont have bad consequences like a transmission flush. Transmission flushes are a bad idea because the transmission pan stays on and the internal filter is not replaced. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

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Saturday, June 6th, 2020 AT 3:54 AM

KIWASABI1

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198 POSTS

Great explanation. When do I know to replace the wheel bearings? On my right front wheel I had slid into a curb on an icy hill very hard at 30 mph or so. This manifested in the strut breaking loose and eventually needing to replace the tie rods and lower control arm, the wheel was real loose and wobbly for quite some time before tie rods and control arm were replaced. I've also had to replace the actual rims themselves on the right front and right back, the spokes were actually breaking off and the rims were collapsing. I'm replacing all brake hardware and CV's so I want to do anything else that's down there at the same time.