Disassembly (27 mm)
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) and Snap Ring Pliers - Parallel Jaw (J-8059).
- Remove the large boot retaining clamp from the CV joint with a side cutter. Discard the boot retaining clamp. Remove the small boot retaining clamp from the axle shaft bar with a side cutter. See Fig 1 . Discard the boot retaining clamp.
- Separate the boot from the CV joint outer race at large diameter and slide the boot away from joint along bar. See Fig 1 . Wipe the grease from the face of the CV joint inner race. Spread the ears on the race retaining ring using the snap ring pliers - parallel jaw and remove the CV joint assembly from the bar. See Fig 1 . Remove the boot from the bar.
- Use a brass drift and a hammer in order to gently tap on the CV joint cage until the cage is tilted enough to remove the first chrome alloy ball. Tilt the cage in the opposite direction in order to remove the opposing ball. Repeat this process until all 6 balls are removed.
- Position the CV joint cage and the CV joint inner race 90 degrees to the centerline of the CV joint outer race. See Figure . Align the CV joint cage windows with the lands of the CV joint outer race. Remove the CV joint cage and the CV joint inner race from the CV joint outer race. See Figure .
- Rotate the CV joint inner race 90 degrees to the centerline of the CV joint cage with the lands of the CV joint inner race aligned with the windows of the CV joint cage. Pivot the inner race into the cage window and remove the inner race. Clean the inner and outer race assemblies, the CV joint cage and the balls thoroughly with cleaning solvent. Remove all traces of old grease and any contaminates. Dry all of the parts.