Buy Mitsubishi Eclipse CV Axle Shafts

The CV axle shaft links the transaxle to the wheel hub so the Mitsubishi Eclipse can accelerate, brake, and steer smoothly. Each shaft uses inner and outer CV joints packed in high-pressure grease to let the shaft spin while it bends up to 50 degrees. (Machinery Lubrication, YouTube)

• 1st Gen (1990-1994)-front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) turbo GSX trims share similar outer joints but different lengths. (Wikipedia)
• 2nd Gen (1995-1999)-FWD and AWD continue; axle-nut torque remains 167 ft-lb. (docs.1aauto.com)
• 3rd Gen (2000-2005)-Eclipse shifts to FWD only; V-6 axles carry a vibration damper near the center. (YouTube)
• 4th Gen (2006-2012)-larger hubs move torque spec to about 188 ft-lb. (PartsGeek)

Power leaves the differential, travels through the inner plunge joint, down the axle bar, and out the outer CV joint to the wheel. The plunge joint slides in and out with suspension travel, while the outer joint pivots with steering so the tire stays powered in turns. (Machinery Lubrication)

• Click-click on turns-outer joint wear. (YouTube)
• Grease slung inside wheel-boot tear. (Reddit)
• Shudder on acceleration-inner joint play. (YouTube)
• High-speed vibration-damper missing or joint imbalance. (club4g.org)

With intact boots and quality grease, many Eclipse shafts last 90-120 k miles. (philsservice.com) Boots that split allow dirt in and can destroy a joint in a few thousand miles. (Bob Is The Oil Guy)

Factory grease is lithium-based and fortified with molybdenum-disulfide (MoS₂) for extreme pressure protection. (crcindustries.com, Red Line Oil) Always use CV-specific grease when rebuilding a joint and ensure replacement boots are made of oil-resistant neoprene. (Mechanicaddicts)

Performance aftermarket shafts are often forged from 4340 chromoly, about 30 % stronger than 1040/1541 carbon steel used in many stock bars. (eastcoastgearsupply.com, sierragear.com) Chromoly's nickel and chromium help resist twist fatigue and surface wear. (spicerparts.com)

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1. Loosen axle nut with breaker bar. Penetrating oil helps break factory thread-locker. (YouTube)
2. Raise and support car; remove wheel.
3. Separate lower ball joint or tie-rod and swing the knuckle out. (YouTube)
4. Pry inner joint from transmission; catch fluid.
5. Slide new shaft in until the circlip clicks.
6. Reassemble suspension; torque all fasteners.

A professional shop charges about $300-$400 to replace an Eclipse axle-shaft seal and roughly $150-$350 more to install a complete shaft, depending on labor rates. (RepairPal.com) DIY parts cost less but require torque tools and safe lifting gear.

• Shafts differ side-to-side; order by engine, trans, and ABS ring count. (DSMtuners.com)
• If a new axle is short, confirm you received the automatic- or manual-transmission version your car needs. (Reddit)
• Always seat the inner joint fully-look for the circlip to lock-so it doesn't pop out under load. (DSMtuners.com)

Chromoly half-shafts reduce twist and survive big-tire launches, making them popular on turbo GS-T and GSX builds. (markwilliams.com, sierragear.com) Many include stronger CV joints and rust-resistant coatings for harsh climates. (spicerparts.com)

Q: What does "CV" stand for?
A: CV means constant velocity. These joints keep speed smooth while the axle bends with steering and bumps. (Machinery Lubrication)

Q: How can I tell my drive axle is failing?
A: Listen for rhythmic clicking when turning, feel shudder on take-off, or look for grease sprayed around the wheel well. (YouTube, YouTube)

Q: Is it safe to drive with a torn boot?
A: Short trips may be okay, but water and grit quickly destroy the joint, so plan a repair soon. (Reddit)

Q: Can I just replace the boot?
A: Yes-if you catch the tear early and the joint is clean and quiet, boot-only kits save money. (crcindustries.com)

Q: What grease should I use?
A: Use CV-joint grease with molybdenum-disulfide (often labeled "moly") for extreme-pressure protection. (Red Line Oil, Mechanicaddicts)

Q: How tight is the axle nut on a 2001 Eclipse?
A: About 167 ft-lb; always verify in the factory manual for your trim. (docs.1aauto.com)

Q: My 2008 axle nut spec shows 188 ft-lb. Is that correct?
A: Yes-the larger fourth-generation hub uses a higher torque. (PartsGeek)

Q: Why is my new half-shaft shorter?
A: Automatic and manual gearboxes sometimes use different lengths; ordering by VIN prevents mix-ups. (DSMtuners.com)

Q: Do both front axles wear the same?
A: The right (passenger) shaft often runs hotter due to the exhaust path and can fail first. (Club 3G)

Q: How long should factory shafts last?
A: With good boots they can exceed 100 k miles; cracked boots cut life dramatically. (philsservice.com, Bob Is The Oil Guy)

Q: Can I rebuild an axle at home?
A: Yes-clean the joint, load fresh moly grease, and fit new boots, but you'll need circlip pliers and a bench vise. (YouTube)

Q: Will chromoly shafts fit stock hubs?
A: Quality performance shafts are engineered for factory spline counts and drop right in. (spicerparts.com)

Q: Do I need an alignment after axle work?
A: Not usually if you only remove the axle, but disturbing ball-joint cams can alter toe; check tire wear afterward. (Club 3G)

Q: What causes axle vibration at highway speed?
A: Missing dampers, bent bars, or worn inner joints. Recheck balancing weights on V-6 shafts. (club4g.org)

Q: Are AWD Eclipse rear axles serviceable the same way?
A: Yes-the principles are identical, though rear shafts are shorter and require draining the rear differential before removal. (Wikipedia)