LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Buick >> 2004 >> Century Limited >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 145 (Wheel Drive Shafts) >> Repair Instructions >> Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint and Seal Replacement >> Disassembly Procedure

Disassembly Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    NOTE: With the removal of the wheel drive shaft for any reason, the transmission sealing surface (the tripot male/female shank of the joint) should be inspected for corrosion. If corrosion is evident, the surface should be cleaned with 320 grit cloth or equivalent in a rotational motion only. Do not clean with an oscillating motion. Transmission fluid may be used to clean off any remaining debris and the joint wiped dry before installation. Corrosion on the joint sealing surface may damage the transmission seals and cause a fluid leak.
  1. Use a hand grinder in order to cut through the swage ring.
  2. Remove the large seal retaining clamp from the tripot joint with side cutter.
  3. Dispose of the large seal retaining clamp.
    4. Fig 1: Identifying Halfshaft Inboard Seal, Trilobal Tripot Bushing, Tripot Joint Spider & Housing
    GM233590Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    NOTE: Do not cut through the wheel drive shaft inboard seal during service. Cutting through the seal may damage the sealing surface of the housing and the tripot bushing. Damage to the sealing surface may lead to water and dirt intrusion and premature wear of the constant velocity joint.
  4. Separate the halfshaft inboard seal (4) from the trilobal tripot bushing (3) at the large diameter.
  5. Slide the seal away from the joint along the halfshaft bar.
  6. Remove the housing (1) from the tripot joint spider (2) and the halfshaft bar.
  7. Remove and discard the trilobal tripot bushing (3) from the housing (1).
  8. Remove the following items:
    • The spacer ring (1) using J 8059
    • The spider assembly (2)
    • The spacer ring (3) using J 8059
    • The inboard boot (4)
    9. Fig 2: View Of Spider Assembly, Rings & Tripot Boot
    GM233581Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Discard both rings and the inboard boot.
  10. Clean the halfshaft bar (5). Use a wire brush to remove any rust in the boot mounting area.
  11. Clean the following items with cleaning solvent:
    • The tripot balls
    • The needle rollers
    • The housing
  12. Remove all traces of old grease and any contaminates. Dry all parts.
  13. Inspect the following parts for damage or wear:
    • The tripot joint spider assembly
    • The housing
    • The needle rollers
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals