GM 26059674
Inner Boot, Front

The replacement of the front drive axle's drive shaft inner joint and boot requires specific tools: you will need snap ring pliers (J 8059) together with the small seal clamp tool (J 35910) and large seal clamp tool (J 35566). Snap ring pliers (J 8059), small seal clamp tool (J 35910), and large seal clamp tool (J 35566). Use side cutters to unlock the large boot clamp from the tripot boot before separating the tripot housing and bushing from the halfshaft bar. Always clean grease from the tripot assembly roller bearings and housing. Apply 320 grit 3m cloth to degrease the housing and bushing before wiping down the transmission booting surface and letting everything dry. Remove the small boot clamp from the halfshaft bar end of the tripot boot while gently handling the tripot spider assembly to stop the tripot balls and needle rollers from separating. Insert the tripot boot onto the halfshaft bar before opening the spider spacer ring using the snap ring pliers. After positioning the spider spacer ring and tripot spider assembly on the halfshaft bar you will reach the retaining ring which should be taken out with the other components. Clean the halfshaft bar with a wire brush until all rust in the boot mounting area disappears while checking the needle rollers and needle bearings and trunnion for any signs of wear or damage. When assembling the joint boot clamp must be placed on the small end of the joint boot before installing the tripot boot and small boot clamp onto the halfshaft bar using the small seal clamp tool and breaker bar with torque wrench set to 136 nm (100 ft./lbs.). Assemble the joint so the convolute retainer maintains its correct position which prevents boot damage. Assemble the convolute retainer first before inserting the first spacer ring and tripot spider assembly making sure the counterbore faces the halfshaft bar end. After installing the second spacer ring in the halfshaft bar groove push the spider assembly back to expose the counterbore that covers the retaining ring. After seating the spider spacer ring completely in the groove, apply pre-measured kit grease to both the tripot boot and housing before placing the large retaining clamp onto the boot. Food the housing over the spider assembly before attaching the boot to the housing while verifying inboard stroke position. Secure the large retaining clamp and boot to the housing with the large seal clamp tool at 176 nm (130 ft. Lbs.) torque while confirming clamp ear gap measurement. After completing the process remove the convolute retainer from the boot.

Start your front drive axle drive shaft outer joint and boot replacement project by obtaining these tools: the tools required include snap ring pliers (J 8059), seal clamp tool (J 35910), and split plate swage tool (J 36652). Snap ring pliers (J 8059), seal clamp tool (J 35910), and split plate swage tool (J 36652). Mount the halfshaft inside a vise while protecting its jaws with protective covers. A hand grinder functions to break through the swage ring in a delicate manner without harming the outer race. Move the boot downwards from the halfshaft and then clean the face of the cv joint. Use snap ring pliers to separate the cv joint's retaining snap ring ears before removing the joint and boot. Discard the old boot when finished. A brass drift should tap and tilt the cv joint cage to completely remove its six chrome alloy balls. Remove all old grease from inner and outer race assemblies and cv joint cage and chrome alloy balls through thorough solvent cleaning. Carefully check all parts for both wear and damage before replacing components that require replacement. Spread a thin layer of grease onto the inner and outer race grooves before placing the inner race within the cage followed by the cage insertion into the outer race. Follow this process to finish installation: pack the cv joint boot and assembly with grease supplied by the manufacturer then tighten the small boot clamp to 136 nm (100 ft. Lbs.) using the seal clamp tool. Create an oval shape from the new swage ring before putting it over the cv joint boot making sure the inner race's retaining ring faces toward the halfshaft bar before placing the cv joint onto the bar. Pull on the cv joint to check for proper engagement before placing the cv joint end of the halfshaft assembly inside the split plate swage tool's bottom section. Secure the tool's top section over the assembly. First use alternating tension on each tool half to make the assembly snug before releasing bolts to remove the halfshaft from the tool.