Special Tools

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

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



2. Install the wheel 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.

Note: The following proceed is for the wheel drive shaft that have the low profile boot clamp. If the wheel drive shaft is equipped with the ear type boot clamp, proceed to step 6.

3. Using the appropriate tool, remove and discard the outer boot clamp (2) from the CV joint boot (3)
4. Using a pair of side cutters, remove and discard the inner boot clamp (4) from the CV joint boot (3).
5. Remove the cv joint boot (3) from the cv joint housing (1).



6. Using a pair of side cutters, remove and discard the outer boot clamp (3) and the inner boot clamp (1).
7. Remove the cv joint boot (2) from the cv joint housing (4).



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



9. Using the J 8059 pliers , remove the retaining ring (2) from the wheel drive shaft.



10. Remove the CV joint boot (1) from the wheel drive shaft (2).
11. If the CV joint is found to be without any lubricant, have water or any other contaminates in it. Replace the CV joint.

1. Position the boot and the clamp (1) on the wheel drive shaft (2), DO NOT crimp.



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



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



4. Using the J 35910 pliers  (1), close the boot clamp (2) until the gap (3) measures 2.15 mm (0.085 in)..



5. Using a small flat bladed screwdriver, compress the retaining ring into the groove in the wheel drive shaft to allow installation of the inner CV joint on the wheel drive shaft.




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

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



7. Place approximately half of the lubricant (2) inside the CV boot (1) and other half in the CV joint (3).
8. Remove any excess lubricant on the CV joint housing or the boot.



9. Using the J 35910 pliers  (3), torque or ratchet wrench (4) and breaker bar (5), close the boot clamp until the gap (6) measures 1.9 mm (0.070 in)..
10. Move the CV joint in a circular motion 4 to 5 times to distribute the lubricant.
11. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vise.
12. Install the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.