Service

The Birfield type CV joint on outboard end of the halfshaft is serviced as a complete CV joint/halfshaft assembly. If only the outer CV joint boot needs to be replaced, follow the applicable disassembly and assembly steps below. The tripod type inner CV joint can be disassembled and serviced.

Fig. 5 Halfshaft Service:

1. Remove halfshaft as outlined under REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.
2. Secure halfshaft in a soft jawed vise.
3. Using a screwdriver, pry up locking tabs of inner CV joint boot bands, Fig. 5.
4. Remove bands with pliers.
5. Slide boot back to expose CV joint.
6. Mark shaft and CV joint housing to ensure correct assembly.
7. Remove retainer ring from CV joint housing.
8. Remove CV joint housing from halfshaft.
9. Mark tripod bearing and shaft to ensure correct assembly.
10. Remove tripod snap ring.
11. Gently tap tripod bearing off shaft using a suitable soft faced hammer.
12. Wrap tape around splines of shaft.
13. Remove inner CV joint boot.
14. If outer CV joint boot is to be replaced proceed as follows:
a. On 1.8L engine righthand halfshaft, pry up rubber damper retaining band locking clip and remove.
b. On all models, pry up on outer CV joint band clamp and remove.
c. Remove outer CV joint boot.
15. Inspect all CV joint grease for contamination. A contaminated CV joint must be completely disassembled, cleaned and inspected. If the outer CV joint has contaminated grease, the assembly must be replaced.
16. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:

Fig. 6 CV Joint Boots:

Fig. 7 Halfshaft Dimensions:

a. Inner and outer CV joints are different in size. Failure to correctly install boot on proper end of halfshaft could lead to premature boot and /or CV joint wear, Fig. 6.
b. Wrap CV joint boot clamps in a clockwise direction.
c. Align marks made during disassembly to ensure correct assembly.
d. Fill CV joint and boots with specified grease and ``burp'' air from boot.
e. Measure assembled halfshaft for correct dimension as shown in Fig. 7.