GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

J 35910 Drive Axle Boot Clamp Pliers

Disassembly Procedure


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

  2. Object Number: 861896  Size: SH
  3. Use a flat-bladed tool and disengage the retaining tabs of the large boot clamp.
  4. Discard the clamp.
  5. Remove the small boot clamp using side cutters and discard the clamp.
  6. Separate the constant velocity (CV) joint boot from the CV joint race at the large diameter.
  7. Slide the boot away from the joint along the wheel drive shaft.
  8. Wipe the excess grease from the face of the CV inner race.

  9. Object Number: 891620  Size: SH
  10. Place a block of wood against the CV joint outer race and carefully tap on the CV joint to remove it from the wheel drive shaft.
  11. Remove the boot from the wheel drive shaft.
  12. Remove the CV joint retaining ring from the wheel drive shaft.
  13. Clean the wheel drive shaft. Use a wire brush to remove any rust in the boot mounting grooves.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 214024  Size: SH
  1. Install the new small boot clamp (2) on the neck of the outboard boot (1). Do not clamp.
  2. Slide the outboard boot onto the wheel drive shaft and position the neck of the outboard boot in the boot groove on the shaft. The largest groove below the sight groove on the wheel drive shaft is the boot groove boot (3).
  3. Important: Ensure that the boot clamp is properly positioned around the entire circumference of the boot.


    Object Number: 214026  Size: SH
  4. Crimp the boot clamp using the J 35910 .
  5. Measure the clamp end gap dimension. The gap should not exceed 2.15 mm (0.85 in).
  6. Specification
    The gap should not exceed 2.15 mm (0.85 in).


    Object Number: 214947  Size: SH
  7. Put a light coat of grease from the service kit on the bearing roller grooves of the inner race (1) and outer race (2).
  8. Using pliers, install the CV joint retaining ring to the wheel drive shaft.
  9. Place approximately half the grease from the service kit inside the outboard boot and pack the CV joint with the remaining grease.

  10. Object Number: 245263  Size: SH
  11. Place a block of wood against the CV joint spindle and tap on the block of wood until the CV joint inner race engages the retaining ring.
  12. Slide the large diameter of the boot over the outside of the CV race and locate the lip of the boot in the housing groove.
  13. Install the large boot retaining clamp over the boot and close using the J 35910 .
  14. Inspect the gap dimension on the clamp ear. Continue tightening until the gap dimension is reached.
  15. Specification
    Dimension equals 1.9 mm (5/64 in).

  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 4 to 5 times.