OEM 2008 Cadillac CTS CV Joint

2008 Cadillac CTS Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the front outer CV Boot and CV Joint on 2008 Cadillac CTS?

  A: The replacement process for the front wheel drive shaft outer joint boot starts by extracting the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle's system. First secure the wheel drive shaft horizontally in the bench vise with a shop towel wrapping around the Axle Shaft. Replace all retaining clamps with new ones during installation. Current retaining clamps require replacement with brand new components. Cut open each retaining clamp from the outer boot with a side cutter before removing the boot from the cv joint housing to clean grease off the inner race cage and balls. To extract the outer cv joint from the Axle Shaft perform these tasks. First position the outer joint housing horizontally then place a wood block between the seal and joint. After that strike the cv joint from the wheel drive shaft with a hammer. A combination of brass drift and hammer should be used for extra force when necessary. Follow these steps for Axle Shaft retaining ring removal and boot extraction from the Axle Shaft. Place the vertical joint outer race splined shaft into a bench vise and use a brass drift and hammer to gently hit the inner cage of the cv joint while removing balls to clean all debris from inner race, outer race, cage, balls and exposed Axle Shaft end with clean solvent followed by complete air drying. Any defective interior parts will require replacement of the wheel drive shaft. To build the assembly start with the cage positioned upright with larger radius corners facing upward and then place the inner race inside followed by setting the groove of the inner race up. Place the joint outer race splined shaft vertically in a bench vise while surrounding it with a shop towel. Keep the inner race ball tracks properly lined up with cage windows. Place the assembly at ninety degrees between the outer race while positioning the lower side of the inner race ring groove because of its design. Action and compression of the cage allow access to ball tracks while ball insertion allows for tracking checks with the inner race ball track. Prior to pulling the outer joint from the vise you should apply approximately 60% of the service kit grease to the outer joint. Then place a shop towel around the Axle Shaft and set the wheel drive shaft horizontally in a bench vise before installation. Affix a new small seal retaining clamp to the Axle Shaft before adding the seal and its new retaining ring. Drive the outer joint onto the shaft with a wood block and hammer until it becomes fully seated. Meanwhile use a different hand to squeeze the Axle Shaft retaining ring against the splines of the inner race until both components are engaged. Grease the seal completely before positioning the small seal retaining clamp into the boot groove. Verify the boot maintains its proper shape while having no damage present. Use j 42572 to crimp the small seal retaining clamp, creating a 1 mm (0.039 in) gap for inspection before placing the large seal retaining clamp onto the seal and joint outer race. Check the boot's shape and condition. Combine j 42572 to crimp the large seal retaining clamp. Match the crimped area to a 1 mm separation while keeping the clamp engaged for 2 seconds minimum. Next, verify the outer joint runs smoothly as you rotate the wheel drive shaft.