GM 88982498
Outer Boot

Begin constant velocity joint boot maintenance and repair by removing the wheel drive shaft through correct procedures. Set the wheel drive shaft on top of a bench vise then cover its Axle Shaft with a shop towel. Use side cutters to remove the large seal clamp and small seal clamp then throw away these clamps. Move the seal behind the joint face by separating it from the joint outer race at the large end. Use an assistant to maintain the joint housing while an operator removes the outer joint from the wheel drive shaft bar after cleaning grease from the joint inner race cage and balls. First place a wood block between the seal and joint face at the joint area before hitting the block with a hammer to compress the Axle Shaft retaining ring until the outer joint detaches. The maintenance process requires wheel drive shaft bar operators to first remove both the retaining ring and seal. Begin installation by placing the large clamp and the small clamp on the seal before placing the seal onto the wheel drive shaft bar and adding the retaining ring. After using service kit grease to fill the outer joint you should position it at a horizontal angle while connecting inner race splines to Axle Shaft splines. Compress the Axle Shaft retaining ring using a flat-bladed screwdriver or equivalent tool to push the ring groove into the wheel drive shaft's open end while you fully press the outer joint onto the Axle Shaft. Work your way around the retaining ring until it becomes fully compressed. Use a wood block to protect the outer joint threaded shaft end while you hammer it until complete onto the wheel drive shaft bar. The mating groove in the wheel drive shaft bar must receive the small end of the seal before aligning the stepped surfaces of the Axle Shaft with its inner race. Begin by applying clamp pliers (J 43218) to compress the small clamp. Maintain compression until dimension (A) reaches 0.5-1.6 mm (0.02-0.06 in). After venting the joint, finish by securing the large clamp using clamp pliers (J 43218) until dimension (A) stands at 0.5-1.6 mm (0.02-0.06 in). Programming of the wheel drive shaft must be the final stage of the installation process.

Reinstall the wheel drive shaft.

Ensure the axle shaft and inner race stepped surfaces are fully seated.

Insert grease from the service kit into the outer joint, position it horizontally, and engage the inner race splines onto the axle shaft splines.

Have an assistant hold the joint housing, position a wood block between the seal and the joint along the joint face, and strike the wood block with a hammer to compress the axle shaft retaining ring until the outer joint is removed.