GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • SA9161C Axle Boot Clamp Installer
    • SA9203C Axle Boot Clamp Installer

Disassembly Procedure


    Object Number: 221901  Size: SH
  1. Remove the large boot retaining clamp from the CV joint with a side cutter. Discard the boot retaining clamp.
  2. Remove the small boot retaining clamp from the axle shaft with a hammer and flat blade tool. Discard the boot retaining clamp.
  3. Separate the boot (5) from the CV joint outer race at large diameter and slide the boot away from joint along bar (4).
  4. Wipe the grease from the face of the CV joint inner race.
  5. Using a rubber mallet or block of wood and hammer, tap on the CV joint to remove the CV joint from the axle.
  6. Remove the boot from the bar.

  7. Object Number: 211933  Size: SH
  8. Use a brass drift and a hammer in order to gently tap on the CV joint cage (1) until the cage is tilted enough to remove the first chrome alloy ball (2).
  9. Tilt the cage in the opposite direction in order to remove the opposing ball.
  10. Repeat this process until all 6 balls are removed.

  11. Object Number: 214946  Size: SH
  12. Position the CV joint cage (4) and the CV joint inner race 90 degrees to the centerline of the CV joint outer race (1).
  13. Align the CV joint cage windows (3) with the lands of the CV joint outer race (2).

  14. Remove the CV joint cage (4) and the CV joint inner race from the CV joint outer race (1).

  15. Object Number: 214947  Size: SH
  16. Rotate the CV joint inner race 90 degrees to the centerline of the CV joint cage with the lands of the CV joint inner race (1) aligned with the windows of the CV joint cage (2).
  17. Pivot the inner race into the cage window and remove the inner race.
  18. Clean the inner and outer race assemblies, the CV joint cage and the balls thoroughly with cleaning solvent. Remove all traces of old grease and any contaminates.
  19. Dry all of the parts.

Assembly Procedure


    Object Number: 900963  Size: SH
  1. Install the new boot retaining clamp (2) on the neck of the boot. Do not crimp.
  2. Slide the boot (1) onto the axle shaft and position the neck of the boot in the boot groove (3) on the bar.

  3. Object Number: 872889  Size: SH
  4. Crimp the boot retaining clamp with the SA9203C .
  5. Measure the clamp end gap (a), taking care not to exceed 3 mm (0.118 in). Repeat the previous step as necessary.
  6. Check the gap dimension, continue tightening until the gap dimension is reached.

  7. Object Number: 214946  Size: SH
  8. Put a light coat of grease from the service kit on the ball grooves of the inner race and the outer race.
  9. Hold the inner race 90 degrees to centerline of cage (4) with the lands of the inner race (2) aligned with the windows (3) of the cage.
  10. Insert the inner race into the cage.
  11. Important: Ensure that the retaining ring side of the inner race faces the axle shaft.

  12. Place the cage and the inner race into the outer race.
  13. Insert the first chrome ball then tilt the cage in the opposite direction in order to insert the opposing ball.
  14. Repeat this process until all 6 balls are in place.
  15. Place approximately half the grease from the service kit inside the boot and pack the CV joint with the remaining grease.

  16. Object Number: 872890  Size: SH
  17. Push the CV joint (2) onto the bar (1) until the retaining ring is seated in the groove on the bar.
  18. Important: Ensure that the boot is not dimpled, stretched, or out of shape. If the boot is not shaped correctly, equalize the pressure in the boot and shape the boot properly by hand.

  19. Slide large diameter of the boot with the large boot retaining clamp in place over the outside of the CV joint outer race.
  20. Crimp the retaining clamp using the SA9161C .

  21. Object Number: 872891  Size: SH
  22. Crimp the boot retaining clamp using the SA9203C .
  23. Measure the clamp end gap (a), taking care not to exceed 3 mm (0.118 in). Repeat the previous step as necessary.