OEM 2003 Chevrolet Corvette CV Joint

2003 Chevrolet Corvette CV Joint Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the outer CV Joint and seal on the wheel drive shaft on 2003 Chevrolet Corvette?

  A: To replace the wheel drive shaft outer joint and seal, first, you need to collect the required tools: drive axle seal clamp pliers (J 42572). Start with wrapping the Axle Shaft in a shop towel and positioning the wheel drive shaft horizontally in a bench vise. Take the large seal retaining clamp off the CV Joint seal with a side cutter or suitable tool and throw it away. Repeat the same with the small seal retaining clamp. Remove the seal from the outer joint race at the large diameter end, placing it behind the joint face. Before removing the outer joint, wipe the grease from the joint inner race, cage, and balls as well as the outer joint dismounted from the Axle Shaft. An assistant should be holding it at all times. Compress the Axle Shaft retaining clip and remove outer joint, using a wood block between seal and joint, and striking with a hammer. Next, take out the Axle Shaft retaining ring, the Axle Shaft seal from the Axle Shaft and clean everything with solvent and air dry them. For installed, the cage has the bigger radius corners up and insert the inner race and align to cage. Mount the balls one at a time and make sure there should be no spaces between the ball and the inner track of the balls. Put approximately 60 percent of the grease from the service kit into the outer joint distributing it on the ball tracks, balls, cage, and the inner race. When removing that outer joint from the bench vise, wrap a shop towel around the Axle Shaft, lay the wheel drive shaft horizontally in a bench vise and put on a new little seal retaining clamp onto Axle Shaft and seal. Install the Axle Shaft retaining ring, engage the inner race splines onto the Axle Shaft splines at the same time and compress the retaining ring with a flat bladed screwdriver. Use a wood block and hammer to drive the outer joint on to the Axle Shaft until it is completely seated. Place the remaining grease in the seal and mount the small seal retaining clamp on top of the neck of the seal and fit it to a 2 to 3 mm gap width before crimping with the drive axle seal clamp pliers (J 42572). Follow the same procedure with the large seal retaining clamp confirming the seal is of proper fit and shape, see that outer CV Joint and the wheel drive shaft rotates without any hitches prior to fitting it on to the vehicle.