GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 8059 Snap Ring Pliers
    • J 35910 Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers
    • J 41048 Drive Axle Swage Ring Clamp

Disassembly Procedure


    Object Number: 221901  Size: SH
  1. Remove the large boot retaining clamp from the CV joint with a side cutter. Discard the boot retaining clamp.
  2. Remove the small boot retaining clamp from the halfshaft bar with a side cutter. Discard the boot retaining clamp.
  3. Separate the outboard boot (5) from CV joint outer race (1) at the large diameter and slide the boot (5) away from the CV joint along the bar (4).
  4. Wipe the grease from the face of the CV joint inner race (2).
  5. Spread the ears on the race retaining ring (3) using J 8059 and remove the CV joint assembly from the bar (4).
  6. Remove the boot (5) from the bar (4).

  7. Object Number: 211933  Size: SH
  8. Use a brass drift and a hammer to gently tap on the CV joint cage (1) until it is tilted enough to remove the first chrome alloy ball (2).
  9. Tilt cage in the opposite direction to remove the opposing ball (2).
  10. Repeat this process until all 6 balls are removed.

  11. Object Number: 214946  Size: SH
  12. Position the CV joint cage (4) and the CV joint inner race 90 degrees to the centerline of the CV joint outer race (1) and align the CV joint cage windows (3) with the lands of the CV joint outer race (1).
  13. Remove the CV joint cage (4) and the CV joint inner race from the CV joint outer race (1).

  14. Object Number: 214947  Size: SH
  15. Rotate the CV joint inner race 90 degrees to the centerline of the CV joint cage with the lands of the CV joint inner race (1) aligned with the windows of the CV joint cage (2).
  16. Pivot the inner race into the cage window (2) and remove the inner race (1).
  17. Clean the following items thoroughly with cleaning solvent:
  18. • The inner and outer races
    • The CV joint cage
    • The balls
  19. Remove all traces of old grease and any contaminates.
  20. Dry all the parts.

Assembly Procedure


    Object Number: 214024  Size: SH
  1. Place the new swage ring (2) onto the small end of the joint boot (1). Slide the boot (1) and the swage ring (2) onto the halfshaft bar.
  2. Position the small end of the boot (1) into the boot groove (3) on the halfshaft bar.

  3. Object Number: 221917  Size: SH
  4. Mount J 41048 in a vise and proceed as follows:
  5. 3.1. Position the outboard end (1) of the halfshaft assembly in tool J 41048 .
    3.2. Align the top of boot neck on the bottom die using the indicator.
    3.3. Place the top half of the J 41048 on the lower half of the J 41048 .
    3.4. Before proceeding, ensure there are no pinch points on the boot. This could cause damage to the boot.
    3.5. Insert the bolts (2).
    3.6. Tighten the bolts by hand until snug.

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 221918  Size: SH
  6. Align the following items:
  7. • The halfshaft outboard boot (1)
    • The halfshaft bar boot grooves
    • The swage ring (2)

    Tighten
    Tighten each bolt of J 41048 180 degrees at a time using a ratchet wrench. Alternate between each bolt until both sides are bottomed.


    Object Number: 214946  Size: SH
  8. Put a light coat of grease from the service kit on the ball grooves of the inner race and the outer race (1).
  9. Hold inner race 90 degrees to the centerline of the cage (4) with the lands of the inner race aligned with the windows of the cage and insert the inner race into the cage.
  10. Hold the cage and the inner race 90 degrees to the centerline of the outer race (1) and align the cage windows (3) with the lands of the outer race (2).
  11. Important: Ensure that the retaining ring side of the inner race faces the halfshaft bar.

  12. Place the cage (4) and the inner race into the outer race (1).
  13. Insert the first chrome ball then tilt the cage in the opposite direction to insert the opposing ball.
  14. Repeat this process until all 6 balls are in place.
  15. Place approximately half the grease from the service kit inside the outboard boot and pack the CV joint with the remaining grease.

  16. Object Number: 238932  Size: SH
  17. Push the CV joint (2) onto the halfshaft bar (1) until the retaining ring is seated in the groove on the bar.

  18. Object Number: 221903  Size: SH

    Important: The outboard boot (1) must not be dimpled, stretched or out of shape in any way. If the boot (1) is not shaped correctly, equalize the pressure in the boot (1) and shape the boot (1) properly by hand.

  19. Slide large diameter of the outboard boot (1) with the large boot retaining clamp (2) in place over the outside of the CV joint outer race (3) and locate the boot lip in the groove on the CV joint outer race (3).

  20. Object Number: 245263  Size: SH
  21. Crimp the boot retaining clamp (1) using J 35910 , a breaker bar (3), and a torque wrench (2).
  22. Tighten
    Tighten to 176 N·m (130 lb ft).

  23. Check the clamp gap dimension on the clamp ear. If the gap dimension is larger than shown, continue tightening until gap dimension is reached (dimension a = 1.9 mm).