Fwd Axle Shafts: Inspection
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville, 1996 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, 1996 Oldsmobile LSS, 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight, and 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Wash all parts (except boots) in solvent and dry with compressed air. Wash boots with soap and water. Inspect races for excessive wear and scoring. Inspect splined areas of shafts for wear, cracks and twists. Inspect balls for pitting, cracking or scoring. Check for cracks, chips or heavy dents on cage windows.
Inspect boot, spider, housing, trilobal tripot bushing and bearing blocks for damage or wear.