Wheel Drive Shaft Outer CV Joint & Seal: Disassembly
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix and 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Remove the large seal retaining clamp from the CV joint with a side cutter. Discard the seal retaining clamp.
- Use a hand grinder to cut through the swage ring in order to remove the swage ring. Separate the halfshaft outboard seal from CV joint outer race at large diameter. Slide the seal away from joint along halfshaft bar.
- Wipe the grease from the face of the CV joint inner race. Spread the ears on the race retaining ring with Snap Ring Pliers (J-8059). Remove the CV joint assembly from the halfshaft bar. Remove the halfshaft outboard seal from the halfshaft bar. Discard the old outboard seal.
- Place a brass drift against the CV joint cage. See Figure . Tap gently on the brass drift with a hammer in order to tilt the cage. Remove the first chrome alloy ball when the CV joint cage tilts. Tilt the CV joint cage in the opposite direction to remove the opposing chrome alloy ball. Repeat this process to remove all 6 of the balls.
- Pivot the CV joint cage and the inner race 90 degrees to the center line of the outer race. At the same time, align the cage windows with the lands of the outer race. Lift out the cage and the inner race.
- Remove the inner race from the cage by rotating the inner race upward. Clean the inner and outer race assemblies, the CV joint cage and the chrome alloy balls thoroughly with cleaning solvent. Remove all traces of old grease and any contaminates. Dry all the parts.
- Check the CV joint assembly for unusual wear, cracks or damage. Replace any damaged parts. Clean the halfshaft bar. Use a wire brush to remove any rust in the seal mounting area (grooves).