GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 22610 Clamp Pliers

Removal Procedure

This procedure is to be performed only after the drive shaft has been removed from the vehicle. For the removal procedure refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .

Important: Protect the drive shaft from damage.

  1. Place the wheel drive shaft horizontally in a bench vise.

  2. Object Number: 1275496  Size: SH
  3. Using a side cutter or other suitable tool, remove the large seal retaining clamp from the constant velocity joint boot and discard the clamp.
  4. Using a side cutter or other suitable tool, remove the small boot retaining clamp from the constant velocity joint boot and discard the clamp.

  5. Object Number: 1275511  Size: SH
  6. Remove the dust shield (2) and end cap (3) from the constant velocity joint by tapping with hammer and punch.
  7. Slide the boot toward the center of the drive shaft.

  8. Object Number: 1275621  Size: SH

    Important: Support the inner race when removing the constant velocity joint.

  9. Remove the constant velocity joint retainer clip (2) from the drive shaft
  10. Press the drive shaft from the constant velocity joint.
  11. Remove the constant velocity joint boot from the drive shaft.

  12. Object Number: 1275665  Size: SH
  13. Tilt the cage and inner race and remove one ball.
  14. Repeat the process to remove the remaining 5 balls.

  15. Object Number: 1275858  Size: SH
  16. Remove the inner race and cage
  17. Thoroughly clean the constant velocity joint components
  18. Inspect the constant velocity joint components for:
  19. • Pitting
    • Galling
    • Excessive play between ball and cage
    • Damage or cracking of the cage
    • Cracking, galling, or chips of the races
  20. If damaged, replace the constant velocity joint.
  21. Thoroughly clean and inspect the drive shaft boot for tears, cracking and deterioration.
  22. If the drive shaft boot is damaged, replace the boot.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1276916  Size: SH

    Notice: Wheel drive shaft boots, seals and clamps should be protected from sharp objects any time service is performed on or near the wheel drive shaft(s). Damage to the boot(s), the seal(s) or the clamp(s) may cause lubricant to leak from the joint and lead to increased noise and possible failure of the wheel drive shaft.

  1. Install the inner race and cage into the outer race ensuring the chamfer on the cage (2) is facing the identification grooves (6) and inner race recess (4) is opposite the identification grooves.

  2. Object Number: 1276086  Size: SH
  3. Align the thick sections (1) with the outer race with the narrow sections (2) on the inner race.

  4. Object Number: 1276096  Size: SH
  5. Tilt the cage and inner race and fit one ball.
  6. Repeat the process for the other 5 balls.
  7. Remove the old sealing bead from the dust shield, end cap , and the constant velocity joint
  8. Position a large boot clamp over the drive shaft boot.
  9. Install the dust shield on to the drive shaft boot.

  10. Object Number: 1276351  Size: SH
  11. Using J 22610 , crimp the large clamp ensuring the crimp is positioned between 2 bolt holes.
  12. Important: Protect the axle shaft from damage.

  13. Place the wheel drive shaft horizontally in a bench vise.
  14. Install a new small boot retaining clamp onto the wheel drive shaft.
  15. Install the boot onto the axle shaft.

  16. Object Number: 1276384  Size: SH
  17. Press the constant velocity joint onto the drive shaft with the recess (4) on the inner race (3) facing the shoulder (4) on the drive shaft.
  18. Install the retaining clip.
  19. Pack one tube of grease into the inner side of the constant velocity joint and the boot.
  20. Pack a half tube of grease into the outside of the constant velocity joint.

  21. Object Number: 1276428  Size: SH
  22. Apply a 8 mm (0.315 in) bead of RTV to the inside of the end cap and the dust shield. Allow to cure.
  23. Install the dust shield and end cap by gently tapping with a hammer and punch. Ensure the bolt holes are aligned.
  24. Position the small seal retaining clamp onto the neck of the seal.

  25. Object Number: 1276463  Size: SH

    Important: The seal must not be dimpled, stretched or out of shape in any way.

  26. Install the boot and small retaining clamp on to the boot groove on the drive shaft.

  27. Object Number: 1276472  Size: SH
  28. Using a small screw driver (1), pry up the small end of the seal to equalize the air pressure.
  29. Measure the distance (a) between the edge of the boot and the edge of the last axle shaft groove closing edge. It should be 81 mm (3.19 in)

  30. Object Number: 1276516  Size: SH
  31. Using J 22610 , crimp the small end clamp.
  32. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the bench vise.
  33. To install the wheel drive shaft into the vehicle, refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .