Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint and Boot Replacement

Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint and Boot Replacement

Special Tools

* J 8059 - Snap Ring Pliers

* J 35910 - Drive Axle Boot Clamp Pliers

Disassemble Procedure

1. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Rear Wheel Drive Shaft and Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement Rear Wheel Drive Shaft and Rear Axle Shaft Seal 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. Inspect the wheel drive shaft CV joint. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint Inspection Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint Inspection.

Assemble Procedure





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).





Note:
When measuring the clamp end gap dimension, the gap should not exceed 2.6 mm (0.10 in).

4. Using the J 35910 - pliers(1), close the boot clamp (2) until the 2.6 mm (0.10 in).





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

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





6. Place approximately half of the lubricant (2) inside the CV boot (1) and other half in the CV joint (3).

7. Remove any excess lubricant on the CV joint housing or the boot.





8. Using the J 35910 - pliers, torque or ratchet wrench and breaker bar (3), close the boot clamp (1) until the gap measures 2.6 mm (0.10 in).

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

10. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vise.

11. Install the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Rear Wheel Drive Shaft and Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement Rear Wheel Drive Shaft and Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement.