Buy Chevrolet Cavalier CV Axle Shafts

The Chevrolet Cavalier's CV axle shaft-often called a half shaft, drive axle, or CV shaft-is the solid bar that sends power from the transaxle to each front wheel while letting the suspension move up and down and the wheels turn side-to-side. It uses constant-velocity (CV) joints packed with special grease and wrapped in rubber boots so the wheels spin smoothly even when steering around corners or hitting bumps. (Wikipedia)

A CV joint is a mechanical coupling that keeps both ends of the shaft turning at the same speed, unlike an older universal joint that speeds up and slows down with each rotation. That steady speed reduces vibration and keeps steering feel light .
Front-wheel-drive cars like the Cavalier have two complete axle shafts-one for the driver side and one for the passenger side-so each is sometimes called a half shaft because together they form the full axle set (Wikipedia).

• Model years: 1982-2005 (third generation 1995-2005 is most common).
• Engines: 2.0 L, 2.2 L, 2.3 L, 2.4 L, plus 2.0 L supercharged EcoTec.
• Axle-nut torque:
  • 1984-1997 - 185 ft-lb (251 Nm)
  • 1998-2001 - 144 ft-lb (195 Nm)
  • 2002-2005 - 148 ft-lb (201 Nm)
    Always start the nut by hand, seat the wheel bearings by spinning the hub, then tighten to spec with a torque wrench.

• Clicking when turning: Outer CV joint wear causes a steady click-click-click on sharp turns. (MotorTrend)
• Grease splatter: A torn CV boot flings dark grease on the inside of the wheel and nearby suspension parts. (Cars.com)
• Vibration on acceleration: An inner joint that has excessive play can shake the whole car at road speed. (Autohaus Service And Sales)
• Clunk on take-off: Worn splines or loose axle nut allow sudden movement in the shaft. (MotorTrend)

Rubber boots usually last the life of the axle, but road salt, age, and impacts can crack them. Inspect boots at every oil change; early repairs cost far less than replacing the whole shaft. (Cars.com)
If a boot tears, use only CV-joint grease that contains molybdenum disulfide; ordinary chassis grease will not protect the high-load bearings. (Bob Is The Oil Guy)

A step-by-step DIY guide recommends these key steps:

1. Loosen the axle nut with the car on the ground.
2. Lift and secure the vehicle on jack stands.
3. Remove the wheel, hub nut, and lower ball-joint pinch bolt.
4. Swing the steering knuckle outward and pull the shaft free from the hub.
5. Pry the inner joint from the transaxle using a CV-puller or pry bar, catching any fluid.
6. Install the new shaft, seat the circlip, reassemble, and torque fasteners to spec. (CarParts)

Support the car with rated stands before pulling the shaft; never rely on a jack alone. Wear eye protection because small snap rings can spring free during removal. After any axle job, top off transaxle fluid and road-test at low speed first.

• CV Joint: Flexible joint that keeps constant rotational speed. (Wikipedia)
• Half Shaft: Another name for each individual drive axle. (Cars.com)
• Boot: Rubber cover that holds grease inside the joint. (Cars.com)
• Spline: Grooved end of the shaft that locks into the hub or transaxle. (Wikipedia)

Q: What does a CV axle do?
A: It carries engine power to the wheels while allowing the suspension and steering to move, keeping the ride smooth and the tires pulling. (Wikipedia)

Q: How long should my Cavalier's axle shafts last?
A: Many last well over 100,000 miles; failures usually come from torn boots or harsh impacts rather than normal wear. (Cars.com)

Q: Is it safe to drive with a torn boot?
A: Only for a short distance. Once dirt enters the joint the bearings wear quickly, leading to clicking noises and possible axle breakage. (Reddit)

Q: Why do I hear clicking when I turn?
A: The outer CV joint bearings are pitted or dry. Replacement of the full shaft is the common fix. (MotorTrend)

Q: Do I need special grease?
A: Yes-use moly CV-joint grease; it handles the extreme pressure inside the joint better than multi-purpose grease. (Bob Is The Oil Guy)

Q: What tools will I need for a driveway swap?
A: A breaker bar, 30-32 mm socket, jack and stands, torque wrench, pry bar, and a new cotter pin or axle-nut retainer. (CarParts)

Q: Will a bad axle affect other parts?
A: Yes; excess play can strain wheel bearings, hubs, and even the transmission output splines. Fixing the shaft promptly protects these parts. (Cars.com)

Q: What torque should I use on the axle nut?
A: Tighten to 185 ft-lb on 1984-97 models, 144 ft-lb on 1998-01, and 148 ft-lb on 2002-05 Cavaliers. Always re-check after 50 miles.

Q: Can I replace just the joint?
A: It's possible, but complete shafts are usually quicker and often cost less than the labor to rebuild a single joint. (CarParts)

Q: Could there be a recall on my axle?
A: As of the latest NHTSA filings, no open axle-shaft recalls exist for the Cavalier; always confirm with your vehicle-identification number. (NHTSA)

With these basics, you're ready to diagnose, maintain, or replace the Chevrolet Cavalier CV axle shaft and keep your front-wheel-drive running smoothly.