Special Tools

Note: The outer Constant Velocity Joint is not service separately. If the CV joint is found to have excessive wear or damage, replace the wheel drive shaft as an assembly.

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



2. Clamp the drive axle shaft in a soft jawed vice.




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



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



6. Remove the boot (1) from the wheel drive shaft (2).
7. Inspect the outer CV joint for damage and wear. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint Inspection.

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



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



3. Place approximately half the lubricant (2) inside the CV joint boot (1) and the other half in the CV joint (3).



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



5. Install the boot clamp (4) on the boot (3) and the wheel drive shaft (5).
6. Install the boot clamp (2) on the boot (3) and the CV joint housing (1).




Note: Ensure that the boot clamp is properly positioned around the entire circumference of the boot.

7. Using the J 35910 pliers  (1), close the clamp (2) until the gap (3)  measures 2.15 mm (0.85 in).




Note: Ensure that the boot clamp is properly positioned around the entire circumference of the boot.

8. Using the CH 48894 pliers  (1), close the boot clamp (3).
9. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the bench vise.
10. Move the CV joint in a circular motion 4 to 5 times to distribute the lubricant.
11. Install the wheel drive shaft in the vehicle. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.