Axle Shaft Inner Joint & Boot: Disassembly
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire and 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Required Tools: Drive Axle Boot Clamp Pliers (J-35910), Drive Axle Boot Clamp Pliers (J-35566) and Snap Ring Pliers (J-8039-A).
- Remove the small boot retaining clamp from the axle shaft bar with a side cutter. Discard the small boot retaining clamp. Remove the large boot retaining clamp from the inboard joint with a side cutter. Discard the large boot retaining clamp.
- Separate the inboard boot from the trilobal tripot bushing at large diameter. Slide boot away from joint along axle shaft bar.
- Before removing the tripot spider assembly from the axle shaft bar, perform the following procedure:
- Remove the spacer ring from the end of the axle shaft bar using snap ring pliers.
- Place a brass drift on the area of the tripot spider next to the axle shaft bar. Tap on the brass drift with the hammer.
NOTE: Never reuse the spacer ring.NOTE: Handle the tripot spider assembly with care. - Remove the tripot spider assembly from the axle shaft bar. Remove the spacer ring from the shoulder of the axle shaft bar using snap ring pliers. Remove and discard the trilobal tripot bushing from the housing.
- Clean the tripot balls, needle rollers and housing thoroughly with cleaning solvent. Removing all traces of old grease and any contaminates. Dry all the parts.
- Remove and discard the boot from the axle shaft bar. Inspect the spider assembly, housing, tripot balls and needle rollers for damage or wear.