GM 26073376
CV Joints, Front Driver Side

When replacing a wheel drive shaft outer joint with boot start by getting these essential tools: Two types of tools needed for the repair are Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers (J 35910) and Wheel Drive Shaft Boot Clamp Pliers (CH-48894). Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers (J 35910) and Wheel Drive Shaft Boot Clamp Pliers (CH-48894). Set the drive axle shaft in a soft-jawed vice clamp while being mindful to avoid cutting through the inboard boot so the constant velocity joint remains free from premature wear. The flat-bladed tool removes the boot clamp from both the constant velocity (CV) joint and the boot so side cutters can detach the clamps from the boot and wheel drive shaft. The process requires replacement of boot clamps with new ones during installation. Lay the new boot directly on the wheel drive shaft while making sure it fits correctly into the groove. Split the grease from the service kit between packing the outboard boot while also packing the CV joint. The CV joint installation requires a block of wood and hammer while attaching boot clamps to the boot and CV joint housing. Use the boot clamp crimping tool to measure the clamp end gap and ensure it stays below 2.15 mm (0.85 in). Use Wheel Drive Shaft Boot Clamp Pliers (CH-48894) to tightly secure boot clamps after completing the bench vise removal of the wheel drive shaft. To properly greased the outer CV joint you should perform circular movements of the rotation four to five times before assembling the wheel drive shaft.

Check the swaged ring for deformities and re-swage if necessary.

Remove the large seal retaining clamp from the CV joint using a side cutter and discard it.

Ensure the outboard seal is properly shaped, slide the large diameter of the outboard seal with the large seal retaining clamp in place over the CV joint outer race, and crimp the clamp using the J 35910 to 174 N.m (130 lb ft), checking the gap dimension on the clamp ear.

Place the new swage ring onto the small end of the joint seal and slide both onto the halfshaft bar, ensuring the small end of the seal fits into the seal groove.

J35910 Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers, J47048 Drive Axle Swage Ring Clamp, and J8059 Snap Ring Pliers.

Use Snap Ring Pliers (J 8059) to spread the ears on the race retaining ring and remove the CV joint assembly.

Slide it away from the joint and remove the housing from the tripot joint spider, discarding the trilobal tripot bushing, spacer rings, and inboard boot.

Separate the inboard seal from the trilobal tripot bushing at the large diameter and slide the seal away from the joint along the halfshaft bar.

Slide the large diameter of the outboard seal over the CV joint outer race and crimp the seal retaining clamp using J 35910, a breaker bar, and a torque wrench to a tightness of 176 Nm (130 ft. lbs.), checking the gap dimension on the clamp ear to ensure it meets specifications.

Clean the inner and outer race assemblies, CV joint cage, and chrome alloy balls thoroughly with cleaning solvent, ensuring all old grease and contaminants are removed, then dry all parts.

Slide it away from the CV joint along the bar.

Crimp the seal retaining clamp using the Seal Clamp Tool (J 35910) to 174 Nm (130 ft. lbs.) and check the gap dimension on the clamp ear, tightening as necessary.

Insert the inner race into the cage, ensuring proper alignment with the outer race.

Push the CV joint onto the halfshaft bar until the retaining ring is seated, ensuring the outboard boot is not dimpled or stretched.

Slide the housing over the tripot joint spider assembly and ensure the halfshaft inboard seal is properly shaped.

That it is properly shaped.

Clean the halfshaft bar with a wire brush to remove rust and inspect the needle rollers, needle bearings, and trunnion for damage, replacing any damaged parts with the appropriate kit.

Clean the inner and outer race assemblies, CV joint cage, and balls thoroughly with cleaning solvent, removing all traces of old grease and contaminants before drying the parts.

Use Drive Axle Swag Ring Clamp (J41048) to align and secure the swage ring, tightening the bolts alternately until snug, then check for any deformities.

Use a wire brush to remove rust in the seal mounting area.

Use a brass drift to gently tap and tilt the CV joint cage to remove the chrome alloy balls, repeating until all six are removed.

Cut through the swage ring using a hand grinder, ensuring not to damage the tripot housing.

Slide the tripot joint spider assembly onto the halfshaft bar, install the spacer ring again, and place grease from the service kit into the halfshaft inboard seal.

Loosen the bolts, separate the dies, and check the swage ring for deformities, re-swaging if necessary.

J 35910 Earred Clamp Tool, J 41048 Small Swage Tool, and J 8059 Snap Ring Pliers.