GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

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

Note: If the outer Constant Velocity joint is found to have excessive wear or damaged inner components, replace the wheel drive shaft as an assembly. The CV joint and it's inner components are not serviced.

Removal Procedure

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

  2. Object Number: 860858  Size: SH
  3. Install the wheel drive shaft in a soft jawed vice.

  4. Object Number: 2008294  Size: SH

    Caution: 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.

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

  7. Object Number: 891620  Size: SH
  8. Using a block of wood and a hammer, remove the CV joint (2) from the wheel drive shaft (1).

  9. Object Number: 2008315  Size: SH
  10. Remove the boot (1) from the wheel drive shaft (2).
  11. 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, inner and outer clamp (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: 2087929  Size: SH
  5. Using the J 35910 pliers , breaker bar, torque and or ratchet wrench (1), close the boot clamp (2) until the gap (3) measures 2.15 mm (0.085 in).

  6. Object Number: 2093980  Size: SH
  7. Place approximately half the lubricant (2) in the outer boot (1) and the other half in the CV joint (3).

  8. Object Number: 2008345  Size: SH
  9. Using a block of wood and a hammer, install the CV joint on the wheel drive shaft (1).

  10. Object Number: 1034498  Size: SH

    Note: Ensure the boot clamp is securely closed and seated properly on the boot.

  11. Using the CH 48894 pliers (1), close the boot clamp (3).
  12. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the bench vise.
  13. Move the CV joint in a circular motion 4 to 5 times to distribute the lubricant in the CV joint.
  14. Remove any excess lubricant from the wheel drive shaft assembly.
  15. Install the wheel drive shaft assembly. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.