Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint and Boot Replacement

Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint and Boot Replacement

Tools Required

J 43218 - Clamp Pliers - Narrow Jaw

Removal Procedure

1. Remove the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement Service and Repair.





2. Wrap a shop towel around the axle shaft.

3. Place the wheel drive shaft horizontally in the bench vise.





4. Remove the large seal clamp (2) and the small seal clamp (1). Use a side cutter or other suitable tool and discard the clamp.

5. Separate the seal (8) from the joint (5) outer race at the large end.





6. Position the seal behind the joint face.

7. Wipe the grease from the face of the joint inner race, cage, balls, etc.

8. Remove the outer joint from the wheel drive shaft bar.

1. Have an assistant hold the joint housing.

2. Position a wood block between the seal and the joint (along the joint face).

3. Strike the wood block with a hammer to compress the axle shaft retaining ring.

4. Continue to strike the wood block to remove the outer joint from the wheel drive shaft bar.





9. Remove the retaining ring from the wheel drive shaft bar.





10. Remove the seal from the wheel drive shaft bar.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the large clamp (2) and the small clamp (1) onto the seal (8).





2. Install the seal onto the wheel drive shaft bar.





3. Install the retaining ring onto the wheel drive shaft bar.





4. Insert the grease from the service kit into the outer joint.





5. Position the outer joint horizontally.

6. Engage the inner race splines onto the axle shaft splines.

7. Compress the axle shaft retaining ring.

1. Press one end of the retaining ring, using a flat-bladed screwdriver or equivalent tool, into the wheel drive shaft bar groove while firmly pressing the outer joint onto the axle shaft.

2. Continue to work around the retaining ring until it is compressed.





8. Install the outer joint to the wheel drive shaft bar.

1. Position a wood block squarely over the end of the outer joint threaded shaft.

2. Use a hammer to drive the outer joint onto the bar.

3. Continue to drive the outer joint until you feel the outer joint seat fully onto the wheel drive shaft bar.

4. Inspect to be sure that the axle shaft and the inner race stepped surfaces are fully seated to each other.





9. Position the small end of the seal (8) over the mating groove in the wheel drive shaft bar.





10. Compress the small clamp using the J 43218 - pliers or equivalent, until dimension (A) is 0.5-1.6 mm (0.02-0.06 in).

11. Vent the joint to relieve excess trapped air.

12. Compress the large clamp using the J 43218 - pliers or equivalent, until dimension (A) is 0.5-1.6 mm (0.02-0.06 in).

13. Install the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement Service and Repair.