GM 26075594
CV Joints, Front

Repair and service of the constant velocity joint boot for wheel drive shaft outer joint and seal replacement (FE1 / FE3) requires these tools: snap ring pliers (J 8059) and drive axle seal clamp pliers (J 35910) and drive axle swage ring clamp (J 41048). The toolkit includes snap ring pliers (J 8059) and drive axle seal clamp pliers (J 35910) and as well as drive axle swage ring clamp (J 41048). First remove the large and small boot retaining clamps from cv joints and halfshaft bars with a side cutter then discard these clamps. Move the outboard boot off the CV Joint outer race before sliding it away while cleaning grease from the CV Joint inner race. The snap ring pliers (J 8059) will open the retaining ring ears so you can extract the CV Joint assembly from its bar position. After removing the boot from the bar you should use light tapping motions to eliminate all six chrome alloy balls from the CV Joint cage. The cleaning process requires solvent for the CV Joint cage balls and inner and outer races along with the CV Joint cage and balls. All material residue and dirt needs complete removal before drying all components. Before final installation place the new swage ring on the boot's small end while sliding both components together onto the halfshaft bar. Set the boot into its boot groove before clamping the assembly into a vise with the drive axle swage ring clamp (J 41048) positioned to align the outboard halfshaft end with the boot neck. Secure the drive axle swage ring clamp (J 41048) bolts while alternating their tightening until they reach a snug fit. Afterwards distribute a light coat of grease to the ball grooves. The correct positioning method for both inner race and cage is to insert them into the outer race ensuring the inner race faces outward. After proper positioning place the cage inside the outer race. Distribute the chrome balls within the CV Joint space while applying grease to the joint space and creating a secure outboard boot shape. To finish, thread the large diameter end of the outboard boot around the CV Joint outer race before using drive axle seal clamp pliers (J 35910) and a torque wrench to crimp the boot retaining clamp at 176 n.m (130 lb.ft) torque while monitoring the clamp gap.

Snap Ring Pliers (J 8059), Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers (J 35910), and Drive Axle Swage Ring Clamp (J 41048).

Use the Snap Ring Pliers (J 8059) to spread the ears on the race retaining ring.

Slide the seal away from the joint along the halfshaft bar.

Begin by removing the large seal retaining clamp from the CV joint with a side cutter and discard it, taking care not to cut through the inboard or outboard boot.