Buy Ford Taurus CV Axle Shafts

Below is an in-depth, reader-friendly guide to the Ford Taurus CV axle shaft (also called a drive axle, half-shaft, or constant-velocity axle).

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Overview

The CV axle shaft carries engine power from the transaxle to the front (or rear, in all-wheel-drive models) wheels while the suspension moves up and down. A pair of flexible constant-velocity joints at each end keeps the speed steady through wide steering angles Constant-velocity joint basics . Because every Ford Taurus since 1986 uses front-wheel drive (and some later years add AWD), each front wheel depends on a CV axle to roll the car smoothly. Automotive experts group the CV axle with "half-shafts" on front-drive cars Car and Driver axle overview .

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How It Works

Inside each CV joint are steel ball bearings that ride in precision grooves, letting the shaft bend while turning at the same speed as the transmission output Wikipedia axle details . Rubber boots filled with thick grease protect the bearings from dirt and water. When the boot tears, grease escapes and the joint wears quickly.

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Compatibility

• Model years: All 1986-2019 Taurus generations use front CV axles.
• Engine & drivetrain: 3.0 L V6, 3.5 L V6, EcoBoost 2.0/2.3 L, and 3.7 L AWD trims each pair with specific axle lengths and spline counts-always verify your VIN or axle code before ordering.
• Side-specific parts: Left (driver) and right (passenger) shafts are not interchangeable because of different lengths and bracket setups.

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Signs of Trouble

• Clicking when turning-classic sign of an outer joint that has lost grease or worn grooves 5 common symptoms .
• Grease on wheel or strut-boot tear flings lubricant outward.
• Shudder on acceleration-inner joint wear can cause vibration.
• Clunk on downshifts-excess play inside the tripod joint.
  Watch a quick visual demo in this short YouTube diagnosis video .

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Common Causes

• Boot cracks from age, road salt, or debris impact.
• Over-loading or hard launches increase joint angle stress.
• Leaking shock absorbers can spray oil on rubber boots, speeding failure.

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Repair or Replace

Most Taurus owners replace the whole shaft because the price of a remanufactured assembly is often lower than two joints and new boots. A full shaft swap also includes a fresh axle nut and, if needed, a bracket bearing on some 3.5 L AWD models. See the clear step-by-step video guide for 2000-2007 Taurus .

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Tools & Torque

• 30 mm or 32 mm axle-nut socket (varies by year).
• Breaker bar rated for 185 ft-lb.
• Torque spec: 184 ft-lb on most 1996-2015 Taurus front axle nuts Ford service answer ; confirmed by the Taurus Club service forum owner discussion .
• Always replace the self-locking nut and torque within five minutes to set the thread locker SKF torque guide .

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Cost & Time

Nationwide averages show parts plus labor for one Taurus CV axle run $1,100-$1,300 RepairPal estimator . Mobile mechanics list typical Taurus jobs at about $280 total when aftermarket parts are used YourMechanic estimate . Regional labor rates and AWD complexity change the price; AAA's calculator lets you check local shop costs AAA repair cost tool .

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Safety & Recalls

Ford recall 20S63 / NHTSA 20V-692 covers some 2014-2015 front-wheel-drive Taurus cars for a half-shaft bracket that can crack and let the shaft separate-dealers install a stronger support for free recall bulletin PDF . Always check your VIN at nhtsa.gov to confirm open recalls.

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Environmental Care

Used CV shafts are steel; most recycling yards accept them. Drain grease into a sealed bag, then recycle the metal core with scrap steel to keep oils out of landfills AAA inspection article .

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Maintenance Tips

• Inspect axle boots at every oil change-catching a tiny split early saves the whole shaft.
• Avoid full-lock turns during hard acceleration; it overloads the outer joint.
• Use matched tire sizes and correct air pressure so the differential doesn't bind the half-shafts.

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Q: What is a CV axle shaft?
A: It's a steel shaft with flexible joints that lets power flow to the wheels even while the suspension moves and the wheels turn. It's also called a drive axle, half-shaft, or CV half-shaft.

Q: How long should a Taurus CV axle last?
A: Many last 100,000 miles or more, but torn boots or harsh driving can shorten life dramatically Cap Toyota symptom guide .

Q: Is it safe to drive with a clicking axle?
A: Short trips at low speed may be possible, but a failing joint can lock up or break, so replace it as soon as possible.

Q: Do I have to change both axles at the same time?
A: No, you can replace only the damaged side, but if one shaft failed from high mileage the other may be close behind.

Q: Can I just change the boot?
A: Boot-only kits are cheaper, yet if the joint has run dry or collected grit, installing a full shaft is more reliable and faster.

Q: What size socket fits the Taurus axle nut?
A: Most 1996-2019 models use a 30 mm 12-point socket; always measure yours before teardown Taurus Club torque thread .

Q: Why does the nut need 184 ft-lb of torque?
A: The high preload keeps the wheel bearing tight and prevents fretting where the splines meet the hub JustAnswer service tip .

Q: What if my Taurus is all-wheel drive?
A: AWD models have a more complex passenger-side shaft with a support bearing; replacement steps are similar but may need extra bracket bolts.

Q: Are aftermarket heavy-duty shafts worth it?
A: For stock street driving, OE-spec replacements are fine. Heavy-duty or performance shafts help only if you added big power or race slicks.

Q: How long does a driveway repair take?
A: An experienced DIYer with the right tools can change one axle in about 90 minutes; first-timers should plan half a day.

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