GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • SA9203C Axle Clamp Installer
    • SA9198C C/V Joint Snap Ring Pliers
    • SA9161C Axle Boot Clamp Installer

Disassembly Procedure

    Notice: Use soft metal or wood in between vice jaws to protect the shaft.

  1. Remove the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .
  2. Disconnect the swage ring from the half shaft bar using a hand grinder to cut through the ring, taking care not to damage the half shaft bar.

  3. Object Number: 891517  Size: SH
  4. Remove large seal retaining clamp. Using a small blade screwdriver release the clamp and discard.

  5. Object Number: 891521  Size: SH
  6. Separate the boot from the tri-pot housing at the large diameter and slide the boot away from the joint along the axle shaft.
  7. Wipe the excess grease from the face of the tri-pot spider and the inside of the tri-pot housing.
  8. Remove the tri-pot housing from the spider and shaft.

  9. Object Number: 891621  Size: SH
  10. Remove the spider retaining ring from the groove on the axle shaft and slide the spider assembly off of the shaft.
  11. Remove the boot from the axle shaft.
  12. Clean the tri-pot joint spider assembly and the housing thoroughly with cleaning solvent.
  13. Remove all traces of old grease and any contaminants. Dry all the parts.
  14. Inspect the tri-pot joint components for unusual wear, cracks, and other damage. Replace any needed components.

Assembly Procedure


    Object Number: 861081  Size: SH
  1. Install the small swage ring clamp onto the neck of the inner boot. Do not crimp.
  2. Slide the inner boot onto the shaft and locate the neck of the boot in the proper position in the boot groove on the axle shaft.
  3. Important: Check clamp location during swage operation to make sure it is positioned correctly around the entire circumference.

  4. Swage the boot retaining clamp withSA9203C Axle Boot Clamp Installer, (or equivalent) as shown.
  5. Measure the clamp end gap, and repeat step 3 if necessary. The dimension should not exceed 2.15 mm (0.85 in).

  6. Object Number: 891621  Size: SH
  7. Slide the tri-pot spider assembly past the spider retaining ring groove, until seated against shoulder.
  8. Install the spider retaining ring in the groove of the axle shaft withSA9198C CV Joint Snap Ring Pliers, (or equivalent).
  9. Place approximately half of the grease (provided in kit) inside boot and use the remainder to repack the tri-pot housing.

  10. Object Number: 891519  Size: SH
  11. Install the large clamp over the large diameter of the boot.
  12. Slide the tri-pot housing over the tri-pot spider assembly on the shaft.
  13. Slide the large diameter of the boot over the outside of the tri-pot housing and position the lip of the boot in the housing groove.

  14. Object Number: 861069  Size: SH
  15. Place the large boot retaining clamp around the boot and close usingSA9161C Axle Boot Clamp Installer, (or equivalent).
  16. Install the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .