GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • J 8059 Snap Ring Pliers
    • J 42572 Drive Axle Boot Clamp Pliers

Note: The outer Constant Velocity Joint is not serviced separately. If the CV joint is found to have excessive wear or damaged, replace the wheel drive shaft as an assembly.

Disassemble Procedure

  1. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.

  2. Object Number: 860858  Size: SH
  3. Install the wheel drive axle shaft in a soft jawed vice.

  4. Object Number: 2008294  Size: SH

    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.

  5. Using the appropriate tool, remove and discard the outer boot clamp (2) from the CV joint boot (3).
  6. Using a pair of side cutters, remove and discard the inner boot clamp (4) from the CV joint boot (3).
  7. Remove the cv joint boot (3) from the cv joint housing (1).

  8. Object Number: 2094178  Size: SH
  9. Using a pair of side cutters, remove and discard the outer boot clamp (3) and the inner boot clamp (1).
  10. Remove the cv joint boot (2) from the cv joint housing (4).

  11. Object Number: 891620  Size: SH
  12. Using a hammer and a block of wood, remove the CV joint (2) from the wheel drive shaft (1).

  13. Object Number: 233593  Size: SH
  14. Using the J 8059 pliers , remove the retaining ring (2) from the wheel drive shaft.

  15. Object Number: 2008315  Size: SH
  16. Remove the CV joint boot (1) from the wheel drive shaft (2).
  17. If the CV joint is found to be without any lubricant, have water or any other contaminates in it. Replace the CV joint.

Assemble Procedure


    Object Number: 2008315  Size: SH
  1. Position the boot and the clamp (1) on the wheel drive shaft (2), DO NOT crimp.

  2. Object Number: 2008321  Size: SH
  3. Ensure that the boot (1) is properly seated in the groove (2) in the wheel drive shaft (3).

  4. Object Number: 233593  Size: SH
  5. Using the J 8059 pliers , install the retaining ring (2) on the wheel drive shaft (1).

  6. Object Number: 2087929  Size: SH
  7. Using the J 42572 pliers (1), close the boot clamp (2) until the gap (3) measures 1.00 mm (0.039 in)..

  8. Object Number: 174620  Size: SH
  9. Using a small flat bladed screwdriver, compress the retaining ring into the groove in the wheel drive shaft to allow installation of the inner CV joint on the wheel drive shaft.

  10. Object Number: 2008345  Size: SH

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

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

  12. Object Number: 2093980  Size: SH
  13. Place approximately half of the lubricant (2) inside the CV boot (1) and other half in the CV joint (3).
  14. Remove any excess lubricant on the CV joint housing or the boot.

  15. Object Number: 2058269  Size: SH
  16. Using the J 42572 pliers (3), torque or ratchet wrench (4) and breaker bar (5), close the boot clamp until the gap (6) measures 1.0 mm (0.039 in)..
  17. Move the CV joint in a circular motion 4 to 5 times to distribute the lubricant.
  18. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vise.
  19. Install the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.