OEM 2003 Buick Century CV Joint

2003 Buick Century CV Joint Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the inner CV Joint and seal on 2003 Buick Century?

  A: A set of tools needed to replace the wheel drive shaft inner joint and seal includes swage tool (J 41048) as well as snap ring pliers (J 8059) and seal clamp tool (J 35910). The tool kit required for this job includes swage tool (J 41048), snap ring pliers (J 8059), and seal clamp tool (J 35910). Start by cutting off the swage ring from the halfshaft bar using a hand grinder but maintain protection of the bar. First use side cutters to discard the large seal retaining clamp from the tripot joint before sliding the inboard seal away from the joint by pulling it along the halfshaft bar. Then trim the halfshaft bar using snap ring pliers (J 8059) to remove the housing from the tripot joint spider which follows with spacer rings and spider assembly separation using j 8059 and boot disposal. The halfshaft bar requires a wire brush clean to remove rust before inspecting and replacing damaged parts using appropriate kits. First swage the new ring onto the inboard seal neck after installation before sliding the halfshaft inboard seal onto the bar positioned in the intended seal groove. Place the inboard end of the halfshaft assembly onto the swage tool (J 41048) to prevent inboard seal damage. To align the swage ring insert the upper portion of swage tool (J 41048) to its lower part until bolt torque reaches a snug position. Use snap ring pliers (J 8059) to install the spacer ring into the groove of the halfshaft bar before sliding the tripot joint spider assembly toward the spacer ring. Use spare ring pliers (J 8059) to reinstall the spacer ring into the halfshaft bar before you put grease from the service kit into the inboard halfshaft seal. The remaining grease needs to be used to repack the housing ensuring the trilobal tripot bushing remains flush with the housing face. Secure the new trilobal tripot bushing to the housing while fitting the larger new seal retaining clamp against the halfshaft inboard seal before sliding the housing down onto the tripot joint spider assembly. Position the joint assembly at 125.7 mm (5 in) vehicle dimension while correctly shaping the halfshaft inboard seal during installation. The inboard seal, housing, and large seal retaining clamp should be aligned before latching up the assembly while using seal clamp tool (J 35910) to crimp the clamp to 174 nm (130 ft. Lbs.). Inspect the clamp ear gap dimension before final tightening.