Constant Velocity Joint: Service and Repair

Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint and Boot Replacement

Special Tools

* CH 48894 - Wheel Drive Shaft Boot Clamp Pliers

* J 35910 - Drive Axle Boot Clamp Pliers

Note: If the outer Constant Velocity joint is found to have excessive wear or damaged inner components, replace the wheel drive shaft as an assembly. The CV joint and it's inner components are not serviced.

Removal Procedure

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




2. Install the wheel drive 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 and discard the outer boot clamp (2) from the CV joint (1) and the boot (3). Use NEW clamps only

4. Using a pair of side cutters, remove and discard the inner boot clamp (4) and from the boot (3) and the wheel drive shaft (5). Use NEW clamps only.




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 Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint Inspection.

Installation Procedure




1. Position the boot, inner and outer clamp (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. Using the J 35910 - pliers, breaker bar, torque and or ratchet wrench (1), close the boot clamp (2) until the gap (3) measures 2.15 mm (0.085 in).




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




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





Note: Ensure the boot clamp is securely closed and seated properly on the boot.

6. Using the CH 48894 - pliers(1), close the boot clamp (3).

7. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the bench vise.

8. Move the CV joint in a circular motion 4 to 5 times to distribute the lubricant in the CV joint.

9. Remove any excess lubricant from the wheel drive shaft assembly.

10. Install the rear wheel drive shaft assembly. Refer to Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement Service and Repair.