GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • J-8059 Snap Ring Pliers
    • J-35566 Drive Shaft Boot Clamp Pliers

Disassembly Procedure

  1. Remove the front wheel drive shaft. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Left Side for the left side. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side for the right side.
  2. Remove the front wheel drive shaft inner joint boot. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint Boot Replacement.
  3. Remove the large and small boot retaining clamps from the CV joint with a side cutter. Discard the boot retaining clamps.
  4. Separate the halfshaft outboard boot from CV joint outer race at the large diameter.
  5. Slide the boot away from the joint along the halfshaft bar.
  6. Wipe the grease from the face of the CV joint inner race.
  7. Remove the front wheel drive shaft dampener retaining clamp with a side cutter. Discard the retaining clamp
  8. Remove the front wheel drive shaft dampener.
  9. Remove the front wheel drive shaft outer joint boot.

Cleaning and Inspection Procedure

  1. Check the CV joint assembly for the following items:
  2. • Unusual wear
    • Cracks
    • Damage
  3. Clean the halfshaft bar. Use a wire brush to remove any rust in the boot mounting area (grooves).

Assembly Procedure

  1. Slide the outboard boot onto the halfshaft bar and position the neck of the outboard boot in the boot groove on the halfshaft bar. The largest groove below the sight groove on the halfshaft bar is the boot groove.
  2. Place approximately half the grease from the service kit inside the outboard boot and pack the CV joint with the remaining grease.

  3. Object Number: 221903  Size: SH

    Note: The outboard boot (1) must not be dimpled, stretched or out of shape in any way. If the outboard boot (1) is not shaped correctly, equalize the pressure in the outboard boot (1) and shape the seal properly by hand.

  4. Slide the large diameter of the outboard boot (1) with the large retaining clamp (2) in place over the outside of the CV joint outer race (3) and locate the seal lip in the groove on the CV joint outer race.

  5. Object Number: 325997  Size: SH
  6. Crimp the boot (1) retaining clamps (2) using J-35566 clamp pliers .

  7. Object Number: 2026048  Size: SH
  8. Using a suitable tool (1), measure the clearance of the boot clamp.
  9. Note: If the measured value exceeds the specified value, retighten the clamp.

  10. Inspect the clearance of the drive shaft joint boot clamp.
  11. Specification
    Clearance: 1.0 mm (0.0394 in)

  12. Install the front wheel drive shaft dampener.
  13. Install the front wheel drive shaft dampener clamp.

  14. Object Number: 325997  Size: SH
  15. Crimp the boot (1) retaining clamps (2) using J-35566 clamp pliers .

  16. Object Number: 2026048  Size: SH
  17. Using a suitable tool (1), measure the clearance of the boot clamp.
  18. Install the front wheel drive shaft inner joint boot. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint Boot Replacement.
  19. Install the front wheel drive shaft. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Left Side for the left side. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side for the right side.