Front Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint Boot Replacement

Front Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint Boot Replacement

Special Tools

J 42572 - Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers

Disassemble Procedure

1. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle.

* For the left side, refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Left Side (Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Left Side).
* For the right side, refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side (Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side).




2. Install the drive axle shaft in a soft jawed vice.





Caution: Do not cut through the wheel drive shaft inboard or outboard boot during service. Cutting through the boot may damage the sealing surface of the housing and the tripot or the constant velocity joint bushing. Damage to the sealing surface may lead to water and dirt intrusion and premature wear of the constant velocity joint.

3. Use a flat-bladed tool, remove the boot clamp (2) from the constant velocity (CV) joint (1) and the boot (3).
4. Using a pair of side cutters, remove the boot clamp (4) from the boot (3) and the wheel drive shaft (5).
5. Discard the boot clamps (2) and (4). Use NEW clamps only.




6. Using a block of wood and a hammer, remove the CV joint (2) from the wheel drive shaft (1).




7. Using the appropriate tool, remove and discard the retaining clip.




8. Remove the boot (1) from the wheel drive shaft (2).
9. Inspect the outer CV joint for damage and wear. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint Inspection (Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint Inspection).

Assemble Procedure




1. Position the boot (1) on the wheel drive shaft (2).




2. Ensure that the boot (1) is properly seated in the grooved (2) wheel drive shaft (3).




3. Using a block of wood and a hammer, install the CV joint (1) on the wheel drive shaft.





Note: Ensure that the gap measurement does not exceed 1.0 mm (0.040 in).

4. Using the J 42572 - pliers (1), close the boot clamp (2) until the gap (3) in the clamp measure 1.0 mm (0.040 in).




5. Place approximately half the lubricant (2) in the boot (1) and the remaining half in the CV joint housing (3).




6. Install the boot clamp (4) on the boot (3) and the wheel drive shaft (5).
7. Install the boot clamp (2) on the boot (3) and the CV joint housing (1).





Note: Ensure the boot clamp is securely closed and seated properly on the boot.

8. Using the J 42572 - pliers (3) and a ratchet wrench (2), close the boot clamp (1) until the gap (4) measures 1.0 mm (0.040 in)..
9. Move the CV joint in a circular motion four to five times to the distribute the lubricant within the CV joint.
10. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the bench vise.
11. Remove any excess lubricant from the wheel drive shaft.
12. Install the wheel drive shaft assembly.

* For the left side, refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Left Side (Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Left Side).
* For the right side, refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side (Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side).