OEM 2001 Cadillac Catera CV Joint

2001 Cadillac Catera Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the outer CV Joint and seal on 2001 Cadillac Catera?

  A: To change the wheel drive shaft outer joint as well as their seal, first, secure the wheel drive shaft assembly into a vice with nonmarring inserts. Transect with a side cutter the large seal retaining clamp from the outboard cross groceries joint and small seal retaining clamp from the wheel drive shaft bar to remove and discard. Remove any lubricant on the face of cross-over outer race, and tap the outer race carefully with the help of brass drift and hammer avoiding damaging the inner race. Remove and throw away the retaining ring from the wheel drive shaft bar and discard the seal. For assembly take approximately half the grease from the service kit and pack the outboard cross groove joint, then install a new small seal retaining clamp in the neck of the seal, and a new large seal retaining clamp around the joint seal. Clean the wheel drive shaft bar with wire brush in order to make the seal mounting grooves to be free from corrosion and install the seal on the wheel drive shaft bar, and a new retaining ring on to the wheel drive shaft bar. Support the inboard assembly and position the wheel drive shafl assembly on the arbor press with the outboard cross groove assembly at the bottom of the press head pressing it on the wheel drive shaft bar until fully in place. Take out the assemble from the arbor press and place the joint seal into the groove on the wheel drive shaft bar. Use J35910 Seal Clamp Pliers J35910 with breaker bar and torque wrench to ensure that they secure the small retaining clamp while the gap dimensions are measured before the base of the omega (Q) shape has a gap width of 2.15 mm (0.085 inch). Tighten it to 136 Nm (100ft. lbs.). Deposit the rest of the grease in the outboard seal but be sure the seal does not have any rises, depressions, or bending and if need be level the pressure on the seal and mould it as you would by hands. Attach the large seal clamp to the joint seal and tighten it using J 35910 Seal Clamp Pliers (J 35910) with the help of a breaker bar and torque wrench, till a 176 Nm (130 ft. lbs.) torque is achieved inspecting the gap dimensions until the base of the omega ( Q ) shape has a gap width of 2.60mm (0.102inch).