GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

J 35910 Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers

Note: The tripot assembly and the internal parts for the tripot assembly are not service. If the tripot assembly is found to have excessive wear or damaged, replace the wheel drive shaft as an assembly.

Disassemble Procedure

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

  2. Object Number: 860858  Size: SH
  3. Position wheel drive shaft bar in a soft jawed vise and clamp securely.

  4. Object Number: 2008118  Size: MH
  5. Using a flat-bladed tool, remove boot retaining clamp (2) from the boot (3) for the tripod housing (1).
  6. Using side cutters, remove the boot clamp (4) from the boot (3) for the wheel drive shaft (5).

  7. Object Number: 2008167  Size: SH
  8. Remove the tripod housing (1) from the wheel drive shaft (2).

  9. Object Number: 2008202  Size: SH
  10. Remove the retaining clip (1) and the tripod spider (2) from the wheel drive shaft (3).

  11. Object Number: 2008243  Size: SH
  12. Remove the boot (1) from the wheel drive shaft (2).
  13. Inspect the wheel drive shaft inner joint for damage and excessive wear. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint Inspection.

Assemble Procedure


    Object Number: 2008243  Size: SH

    Note: Ensure the seal clamp is positioned correctly in the seal groove.

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

  2. Object Number: 2008202  Size: SH
  3. Install the tripot spider assembly (2) to the wheel drive shaft (3), until seated against shoulder.
  4. Install the retaining ring (1) in the wheel drive shaft.

  5. Object Number: 2087929  Size: SH
  6. Using the J 35910 pliers breaker bar, torque wrench and or ratchet (1) , close the boot clamp (2)  until the gap (3)  measures 2.15 mm (0.085 in).

  7. Object Number: 2093980  Size: SH
  8. Place approximately half of the lubricant (2) in the boot (1) and the other half in the in the tripot housing (3).

  9. Object Number: 2008167  Size: SH
  10. Install the tripod housing (1) on the wheel drive shaft (2).

  11. Object Number: 2008118  Size: MH
  12. Install the boot clamp (2) on the boot (3) for the tripod housing (1).
  13. Install the boot clamp (4) on the boot (3) for the wheel drive (5).

  14. Object Number: 2058269  Size: SH
  15. Using the J 35910 pliers  (3), breaker bar (5), torque wrench and or ratchet (4), close the clamp until the gap (6) measures 1.9 mm (0.070 in).
  16. Move the tripot assembly in a circular motion 4 or 5 times to distribute the grease in the tripot assembly.
  17. Install the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.