OEM 2006 Chevrolet Equinox CV Joint

2006 Chevrolet Equinox Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the rear outer CV Joint and seal on 2006 Chevrolet Equinox?

  A: Begin the wheel drive shaft outer joint and seal replacement at the rear by clamping the drive Axle Shaft inside a soft jawed vice. Disassemble the large seal clamp using a flat-bladed tool to release its retaining tabs before discarding it along with the small seal clamp which you remove with side cutters. Pull back the constant velocity (CV) joint boot past the CV Joint race at its biggest diameter point along the wheel drive shaft bar. Begin by cleaning the cv inner face of extra grease before positioning wooden support against the CV Joint's outer race. Carefully strike the block to detach the joint from its wheel drive shaft bar. Pull out both the wheel drive shaft bar seal and CV Joint retaining ring at this point. Use a brass drift to gently tap the CV Joint inner race while maintaining pressure to move it into position. Then use this same motion to remove the first bearing roller followed by the second bearing roller by turning the CV Joint inner race the opposite way. The procedure continues until all six bearing rollers have been removed before performing a 90-degree pivot of the CV Joint cage and inner race to the outer race centerline followed by proper window alignment to the outer race lands to extract the cage and inner race. To access the inner race of the cage you must first rotate it upward while cleaning the CV Joint cage and the entire bearing roller system and outer and inner race assemblies using a solvent for complete removal of contaminants before drying with compressed air. The CV Joint assembly requires inspection for abnormal wear patterns and it's essential to replace any compromised parts before cleaning the wheel drive shaft bar with a wire brush to eliminate rust from its seal mounting grooves. To install the outboard seal slide it onto the wheel drive shaft bar while aligning its neck with the seal groove and then position a new small seal clamp at the neck's opening but do not tighten it. Use j 35910 drive axle seal clamp pliers (J 35910) to crimp the seal clamp which should rest correctly around the entire perimeter of the seal. Use the j 35910 drive axle seal clamp pliers to crimp the clamp end gap to not exceed 2.15 mm (0.85 inch). Lubricate bearing roller grooves on the inner race and outer race with light service kit grease before putting the inner race into position at a 90-degree angle to the cage's centerline with roller lands matching cage windows. Place the cage and inner race at a 90-degree angle with respect to the outer race centerline. Then position the cage windows against the outer race lands before cage installation begins. The first bearing roller should enter the race before rotating the cage in reverse to place the opposite rolling element until all six bearing rollers fit correctly. Begin by installing the retaining ring on the wheel drive shaft bar with pliers then stuff about 50% of service kit grease into the outboard seal before distributing remaining grease for packing the CV Joint. Use wood to tap on a block until the CV Joint inner race locks with its retaining ring before securing the large seal over the cv race away from the housing groove. Position the seal lip at its correct placement in the housing area. The large seal retaining clamp should be installed over the seal which can be sealed using j 35910 until the clamp ear gap shows 1.9 mm (5/64 inch measurement). To distribute grease into the outer CV Joint you should use a bench vise to rotate the drive shaft in circular motions between 4 and 5 times.