OEM 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier CV Joint

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier CV Joint Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: What Tools Are Required for Replacing the CV Joint and Seal (Trilobal) on the Wheel Drive Shaft Inner on 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier?

  A: The wheel drive shaft inner joint and seal (Trilobal) replacement demands these specific tools: The necessary tools include Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers (J 35910), Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers (J 35566) and Snap Ring Pliers (J 8039-A). Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers (J 35910), Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers (J 35566), and Snap Ring Pliers (J 8039-A). The repair process starts by cutting away the small seal retaining clamp from the halfshaft bar using a side cutter then discarding it before removing and discarding the large seal retaining clamp from the inboard joint. The inboard seal must be carefully detached from the trilobal tripod bushing at its large diameter before sliding it along the halfshaft bar away from the joint. Check that no spacer ring will be reused before extracting the tripot spider assembly from the halfshaft bar. clamp the spacer ring from the halfshaft bar's end using Snap Ring Pliers (J 8039-A) before using a brass drift to tap away the tripot spider assembly near the halfshaft bar. Use Snap Ring Pliers (J 8039-A) to remove the spacer ring that sits at the halfshaft bar shoulder and discard the trilobal tripot bushing within the housing. A complete cleaning process with cleaning solvent must precede drying all components including tripot balls and needle rollers and housing. Check the spider assembly together with housing and tripot balls and needle rollers for signs of deterioration or damage. First put an uncompopped small seal retaining clamp on the seal neck followed by cleaning the halfshaft bar then placing the tripot seal and clamp onto the bar. Place the tripot spider assembly onto the halfshaft bar right after positioning the spacer ring against its shoulder. Use an arbor press to press the CV joint assembly until the tripot spider sits beside the spacer ring yet maintain a press load below 4,000 lbs (1,779 N). Mount the new spacer ring to the halfshaft bar groove after removing the assembly from the press then install the tripot seal into its adjacent groove. Use Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers (J 35910) with a torque wrench along with a breaker bar to crimp the small seal retaining clamp. Use about 1J from the service kit grease to pack the seal then use the remaining grease for housing maintenance. Put the new trilobal tripot bushing into the housing before sliding the housing over the spider assembly attached to the halfshaft bar. Ensure the bushing touches the housing face during installation. The trailing end of the inboard seal needs to rest against the stopper on the trilobal tripot bushing. Install the large seal retaining clamp onto the inboard seal while making sure the halfshaft inboard seal remains free of both stretch marks and dimples. The joint assembly should be placed to vehicle specifications with the halfshaft inboard seal properly aligned to the housing and large clamp during latching. Seal retaining clamp latching requires Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers (J 35566) for normal usage or the joint with eared clamp requires crimping using Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers (J 35910).