GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Disassembly Procedure

Tools Required

J 8059 Snap Ring Pliers


    Object Number: 243181  Size: SH
  1. Remove the clamps from the seal with a pair of side cutters. Use a hand grinder to cut through the swage ring. Do not damage the tripot housing (1).
  2. Remove the tripot housing (1) and bushing (2) from the axle shaft (5).
  3. Wipe the grease off of the tripot assembly roller bearings and housing. Thoroughly degrease the housing (1) and bushing (2). Use 320 grit 3M cloth (or equivalent) to remove any evident corrosion in the transmission sealing surface.
  4. Allow the housing (1) and bushing (2) to dry prior to assembly.

  5. Object Number: 244513  Size: SH

    Important: Handle the tripot spider assembly (1) with care. Tripot balls and needle rollers may separate from the spider trunnion if the tripot balls and needle rollers are not handled carefully.

  6. Slide the tripot seal (4) up the drive axle shaft (3), away from the spider assembly (1).

  7. Object Number: 244491  Size: SH
  8. In order to remove the spider assembly (2), spread the spacer rings using J 8059 (or equivalent).

  9. Object Number: 233581  Size: SH
  10. Remove the following items:
  11. • The spacer ring (1)
    • The spider assembly (2)
    • The second spacer ring (3)
    • The tripot seal (4)
  12. Clean the axle shaft. Use a wire brush to remove any rust in the seal mounting area (grooves).
  13. Inspect the following items:
  14. • The needle rollers
    • The needle bearings
    • The trunnion
  15. Check the tripot housing for unusual wear, cracks, or other damage. Replace any damaged parts.

Assembly Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 41048 Swage Clamp Tool
    • J 35566 Large Seal Retaining Clamp Tool

    Object Number: 214024  Size: SH
  1. Slide the new small swage clamp (2) and seal (1) to their proper position (3) on the axle shaft.

  2. Object Number: 221917  Size: SH
  3. Install the new swage clamp onto the neck of the seal. Do not swage.
  4. Position the neck of the seal in the seal groove on the axle shaft.
  5. In order to swage the swage clamp, position the inboard end (1) of the halfshaft assembly in the J 41048 .

  6. Object Number: 221918  Size: SH
  7. Align the swage clamp (2) within J 41048 .

  8. Object Number: 221917  Size: SH
  9. Place the top half of the J 41048 on the bottom half.
  10. Check to make sure there are no pinch points on the seal before proceeding with procedures.
  11. Insert the bolts (2).
  12. Tighten the bolts (2) by hand until snug.
  13. Align the following items:
  14. • The seal
    • The housing
    • The swage clamp

    Tighten
    Each bolt 180 degrees at a time, using a ratchet wrench. Alternate between each bolt until both sides are bottomed.

  15. Loosen the bolts. Separate the dies.
  16. Check the swage clamp for any "lip" deformities. If deformities exist, place the swage clamp back into the J 41048 . Make sure the swage clamp covers the whole swaging area. Re-swage the swage clamp.

  17. Object Number: 340715  Size: SH

    Important: Assemble the joint with the convolute retainer in the correct position. The seal will be damaged if the joint is not assembled to meet the specified dimension.

  18. Install the convolute retainer over the seal, being sure to capture four convolutions.

  19. Object Number: 340719  Size: SH
  20. Install the spacer ring (2) and spider assembly (1) onto the axle shaft (3).
  21. Install the other spacer ring in the groove at the end of the axle shaft. Ensure that the rings are fully seated.

  22. Object Number: 243202  Size: SH
  23. Pack the seal and housing with the grease supplied in the kit. The amount of grease supplied in this kit has been pre-measured for this application.
  24. Place the large retaining clamp (2) on the seal.
  25. Now place the housing (1) and bushing over the spider assembly (3).
  26. Install the seal onto the tripot bushing.

  27. Object Number: 244519  Size: SH
  28. Check the inboard stroke position.

  29. Object Number: 243212  Size: SH
  30. Secure the large retaining clamp (2) and the seal (3) to the housing (1) using J 35566 .

  31. Object Number: 340720  Size: SH
  32. Remove the convolute retainer from the seal (1).