Special Tools

1. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle. Refer to 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 snap ring 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.

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 snap ring pliers , install the retaining ring (2) on the wheel drive shaft (1).
4. Using the J 35910 drive axle boot clamp pliers  (1), close the boot clamp (2) until the gap (3) measures 2.15 mm (0.85 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. If working with a wheel drive that has the ear type clamp (2), proceed to step 9. If the wheel drive shaft has the low profile clamp (1), skip step 9 and proceed to step 10.




Note: When measuring the clamp end gap dimension, the gap should not exceed 2.15 mm (0.85 in).

9. Using the J 35910 drive axle boot clamp pliers (3), torque or ratchet wrench (4) and breaker bar (5), close the boot clamp until the gap (6) measures 2.15 mm (0.85 in).




Note: Ensure that the locking tabs on the clamp are fully locked in place.

10. Using the CH 48894 drive axle boot clamp pliers (1), close the boot clamp (3).
11. Move the CV joint in a circular motion 4 to 5 times to distribute the lubricant.
12. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vise.
13. Install the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Rear Wheel Drive Shaft and Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement.