GM 26037601
Inner Boot, Front

The first step to replace the inner joint and seal of the Axle Shaft assembly starts by disassembly of the wheel drive shaft and the large side inner joint boot clamp with the j 35566 seal clamp tool followed by the small side inner joint boot clamp. Mark index points on both the wheel drive shaft and inner joint housing before sliding the boot to wheel drive shaft's center. First remove the inner joint housing from the tripot joint spider then mark both the tripot joint spider and wheel drive shaft before proceeding. Detach the snap ring on the wheel drive shaft followed by the application of a brass drift combined with a hammer to release the tripot joint so the spider remains untouched by solvent. Use a dry cloth to clean the tripot joint while inspecting it for any severe wear or structural damage. Replace it when necessary. Inspect the inner boot for damage while cleaning it before performing a replacement if required. Check the right wheel drive shaft's dynamic damper for damage before performing a replacement. The j 22912-01 bearing puller tool helps remove the inner joint housing seal while a press is needed to install a new inner joint seal. When reattaching the damper to the wheel drive shaft you must install it ahead of the inner joint position. Position the damper assembly on the right side wheel drive shaft where it fits into the groove while the centerline measures 431.3 mm (16.980 inch) away from the outer joint using the j 22610. Position the inner joint housing boot alongside its clamps without crimping them so the index marks on tripot joints and wheel drive shafts remain aligned and the splines' bevelled faces point away from the transaxle. After installing the tripot joint and snap ring apply 165 to 185 grams of grease from the inner joint boot kit to pack the inner joint housing. Install the inner joint housing after aligning its index marks with the tripot joint marks. Proceed by installing the inner joint boot and clamps. Proper boot placement requires measuring the wheel drive shaft lengths because the right shaft standard aligns at 857.4 mm (33.756 inch) and the left reaches 540.2 mm (21.268 inch) yet both span within ± 5.0 mm (0.197 inch) tolerance. Use j 35566 to properly secure clamp installation while checking for any signs of boot damage or deformation. Correct any issues and reinstall the wheel drive shaft.