Special Tools

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

1. Clamp the drive axle shaft in a soft-jawed vice.

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.




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



5. Using a block of wood and a hammer, remove the CV joint from the wheel drive shaft.



6. Remove the boot (1) from the wheel drive shaft (2).
7. Inspect the outer CV joint for damage and wear. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint Inspection.

1. Position the boot (1) on the wheel drive shaft (2).



2. Ensure that the boot (1)  is properly seated in the groove (2) in the wheel drive shaft (3).



3. Place approximately half the grease from the service kit inside the outboard boot and pack the CV joint with the remaining grease.



4. Using a block of wood and a hammer, install the CV joint on the wheel drive shaft.



5. Install the boot clamp (4) on the boot (3) and the wheel drive shaft (5).
6. Install the boot clamp (2) on the boot (3) and the CV joint housing (1).




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

7. Using the J 35910 , tighten the boot clamp.
8. Measure the clamp end gap dimension. The gap should not exceed 2.15 mm (0.085 in).

Specification
The gap should not exceed 2.15 mm (0.085 in).




9. Using the CH-48894 , close the boot clamp. Ensure the boot clamp is securely closed and seated properly on the boot.
10. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the bench vise.
11. Distribute the grease within the outer CV joint by rotating the joint in a circular motion four to five times.
12. Install the wheel drive shaft assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.