GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 35910 Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers
    • CH-48894 Wheel Drive Shaft Boot Clamp Pliers

Removal Procedure

Important: The following service procedure is to be performed after the wheel drive shaft has been removed from the vehicle.


    Object Number: 860858  Size: SH
  1. Clamp the drive axle shaft in a soft jawed vice.

  2. Object Number: 2008294  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not cut through the wheel drive shaft inboard or outboard boot during service. Cutting through the boot may damage the sealing surface of the housing and the tripot or the constant velocity joint bushing. Damage to the sealing surface may lead to water and dirt intrusion and premature wear of the constant velocity joint.

  3. Use a flat-bladed tool, remove the boot clamp (2) from the constant velocity (CV) joint (1) and the boot (3).
  4. Using a pair of side cutters, remove the boot clamp (4) from the boot (3) and the wheel drive shaft (5).
  5. Discard the boot clamps (2) and (4). Use NEW clamps only.

  6. Object Number: 891620  Size: SH
  7. Using a block of wood and a hammer, remove the CV joint from the wheel drive shaft.

  8. Object Number: 2008315  Size: SH
  9. Remove the boot (1) from the wheel drive shaft (2).
  10. Inspect the outer CV joint for damage and wear. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint Inspection .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 2008315  Size: SH
  1. Position the boot (1) on the wheel drive shaft (2).

  2. Object Number: 2008321  Size: SH
  3. Ensure that the boot (1)  is properly seated in the groove (2) in the wheel drive shaft (3).

  4. Object Number: 174625  Size: SH
  5. Place approximately half the grease from the service kit inside the outboard boot and pack the CV joint with the remaining grease.

  6. Object Number: 2008345  Size: SH
  7. Using a block of wood and a hammer, install the CV joint on the wheel drive shaft.

  8. Object Number: 2008294  Size: SH
  9. Install the boot clamp (4) on the boot (3) and the wheel drive shaft (5).
  10. Install the boot clamp (2) on the boot (3) and the CV joint housing (1).

  11. Object Number: 214026  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the boot clamp is properly positioned around the entire circumference of the boot.

  12. Using the , crimp the boot clamp.
  13. Measure the clamp end gap dimension. The gap should not exceed 2.15 mm (0.85 in).
  14. Specification
    The gap should not exceed 2.15 mm (0.85 in).


    Object Number: 1034498  Size: SH
  15. Using the CH-48894 , close the boot clamp. Ensure the boot clamp is securely closed and seated properly on the boot.
  16. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the bench vise.
  17. Distribute the grease within the outer CV joint by rotating the joint in a circular motion four to five times.
  18. Install the wheel drive shaft assembly. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.