GM 26044398
C.V. Joint, Front

Start the outer joint and boot replacement process by collecting these tools: the work requires snap ring pliers (J8059) with earred clamp tool (J35910) in combination with small swage tool (J41048) and both a breaker bar and torque wrench. Snap ring pliers (J8059), earred clamp tool (J35910), small swage tool (J41048), breaker bar , and torque wrench . Cut the large boot retaining clamp from the cv joint using a side cutter then discard it before removing the smaller boot retaining clamp from the halfshaft bar. Dismantle the outboard boot from the cv joint outer race and push it along the bar in the direction away from the joint. Wipe off grease from the cv joint inner race then use snap ring pliers (J8059) to open the retaining ring's ears before extracting the cv joint assembly from the bar . Use a brass drift with a hammer to strike softly on the cv joint cage to extract all chromed aluminum balls. Clean every component of the assemblies and cage and balls by applying cleaning solvent until all residual dirt and old grease is eliminated before drying them completely. Place the new swage ring on the small end of the joint boot before you slide both onto the halfshaft bar. First, position the boot's small end into its groove on the halfshaft bar before clamping the outer halfshaft assembly into the small swage tool (J41048). Before final tightening install the bolts into place through the boot neck until they reach a secure hand-tightened position. Use a ratchet wrench to tighten the small swage tool (J41048) bolts in 180-degree intervals while aligning the boot with the swage ring. Use light grease from the kit to coat the ball grooves of both inner and outer races before guiding the inner race into the cage properly. Follow these steps to assemble the cage with the inner race into the outer race while installing one chrome ball at a time until every ball is properly set. Use grease to fill the cv joint then form the outboard boot properly before fitting the large part of boot over the cv joint outer race. Crimp the boot retaining clamp with earred clamp tool (J35910) and breaker bar along with torque wrench set to 176 nm (130 ft. Lbs.). The last step involves verifying the clamp ear gap dimension after which you can further tighten the clamp when needed.

Separate the outboard seal from the CV joint outer race and slide it away from the bar.

Use Drive Axle Swage Ring Clamp (J41048) in a vise to secure the assembly, ensuring no pinch points on the seal, and tighten the bolts alternately until snug.