GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Metro 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Wheel Drive Shafts 🢒 Outer Joint and Seal Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Notice: Do not overextend the wheel drive shaft. Allowing the inboard joint to overextend can cause separation of the internal components and lead to joint failure.

  1. Remove the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .

    2. Notice: When servicing the wheel drive shaft(s), place reference marks on all components to ensure that all components are reassembled in the correct position. If the components are not reassembled in the correct position, premature wear of the joint and/or excessive driveline vibrations may occur.


    Object Number: 175575 Size: SH
  2. Place an index mark (reference mark) on the outer joint (1) and the wheel drive shaft (2) to ensure correct assembly.

    3. Notice: Wheel drive shaft boots, seals and clamps should be protected from sharp objects any time service is performed on or near the wheel drive shaft(s). Damage to the boot(s), the seal(s) or the clamp(s) may cause lubricant to leak from the joint and lead to increased noise and possible failure of the wheel drive shaft.


    Object Number: 175570 Size: LH
  3. Remove the outer boot band (4) from the outer boot (3).
  4. Remove the inner boot band (2) from the outer boot (3).

    5. Object Number: 175578 Size: SH
  5. Remove one snap ring (2) and the outer joint housing (3) from the outer joint and wheel drive shaft.

    6. Object Number: 175581 Size: SH
  6. Remove the roller ball guide snap ring (2) from the wheel drive shaft.
  7. Place an index mark (reference mark) on the roller ball guide (1) and the wheel drive shaft to ensure correct assembly.

    8. Object Number: 175588 Size: SH
  8. Remove the roller ball guide, the six roller balls and the roller cage (2) from the wheel drive shaft (1).
  9. Remove the outer boot from the wheel drive shaft.

    10. Notice: Do not clean the wheel drive shaft boot(s) in solvent. Cleaning the wheel drive shaft boot(s) in degreaser or other solvents can cause the boot(s) to deteriorate. Use only a clean, dry, solvent-free cloth to clean the wheel drive shaft boot(s).

  10. Clean the outer boot with a clean, dry, solvent-free cloth.
  11. Clean the double offset joint components with solvent and dry thoroughly.
  12. Inspect the outer boot for tears, damage or fatigue. Replace as necessary.
  13. Inspect the double offset joint components for excessive wear or damage. If any excessive wear, damage or abnormality is found, replace the double offset joint as an assembly.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 175597 Size: SH
  1. Install the outer boot (2) onto the wheel drive shaft (1).
  2. Install the outer shaft boot band (3) to the outer boot.

    3. Object Number: 175591 Size: SH

    Important: During the roller ball guide installation, make sure to align the reference marks made during disassembly.

  3. Install the roller ball guide, the six roller balls and the roller cage (1) onto the wheel drive shaft (2) with the smaller diameter (2) of the roller cage facing the boot.

    4. Object Number: 175581 Size: SH
  4. Install the roller ball guide snap ring to the wheel drive shaft (2).

    5. Object Number: 175594 Size: SH
  5. Pack the double offset joint with 30 to 40 g (1.0 to 1.4 oz) of the lubricant (2) provided in the double offset joint boot kit.
  6. Fill the outer housing with the remainder of the lubricant provided in the double offset joint boot kit.

    7. Object Number: 175578 Size: SH
  7. Install the outer joint housing onto the double offset joint, aligning the reference marks made during disassembly. Secure the outer housing with the outer housing snap ring (2).
  8. Install the outer boot band onto the outer boot.
  9. Inspect both boots for distortion or dents. Correct by pulling outward on the boot in the desired areas until all boot deformation is corrected.
  10. Install the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .