Special Tools

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



2. Install the wheel drive shaft in a soft jawed vise.




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.

3. Using a pair of side cutters, remove and discard the outer clamp (2) and the inner clamp (4) from the boot (3).



4. Using a hammer and block of wood, remove the outer joint (2) from the wheel drive shaft (1).



5. Using the J 8059 pliers  (3), remove the inner (constant velocity) CV joint retaining ring (2) from the wheel drive shaft (1).



6. Remove the CV joint boot (1) from the wheel drive shaft (2).
7. Remove all the lubricant from the CV joint and the wheel drive shaft.
8. Inspect the CV joint for excessive wear or damaged components. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint Inspection.

1. Install the new clamp and boot (1) on the wheel drive shaft (1).



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



3. Using the J 35910 pliers , breaker bar, and a torque wrench (1), close clamp to until the gap (3) measures 2.15 mm (0.085 inch).



4. Using the J 8059 pliers  (3), install the inner retaining ring (2)  on the wheel drive shaft (1).




Note: The CV joint should just touch the inner retaining ring.

5. Using a block of wood and a hammer, install the outer CV joint (1) on the wheel drive shaft.



6. Place approximately half of the lubricant (2) in the boot (1)  and the remaining half in the CV joint (3).

Note: Ensure that the clamp is properly aligned




7. Install the outer boot and clamp (1) on the CV joint housing.

Note: If the gap does not read 1.9 mm (0.07 inch), continue to tighten the clamp until the specification is met.

8. Using the J 35910 pliers , breaker bar (3)  ratchet wrench (2), close the clamp until the gap (4)  measures  1.9 mm (0.07 inch).
9. Rotate the CV joint several times to equally distribute the lubricant in the CV joint and the boot.
10. Remove any excess lubricant from the boot installation on the wheel drive shaft.
11. Install the wheel drive shaft in the vehicle. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.