Inner Joint & Seal (For 2004 Vehicles): Disassembly
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Montana, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2003 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Required Tools: Drive Axle Swage Ring Clamp (J-41048), Snap Ring Pliers (J-8059) and Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers (J-35910).
- Disconnect the swage ring from the half-shaft bar using a hand grinder to cut through the ring, taking care not to damage the half-shaft bar. Remove the large seal retaining clamp from the tripot joint with side cutters. Discard the large seal retaining clamp. Separate the inboard seal from the trilobal tripot bushing at the large diameter. Slide the seal away from the joint along the half-shaft bar.
- Remove the housing from the tripot joint spider and the half-shaft bar. Remove the spacer ring, spider assembly, spacer ring using snap ring pliers and tripot boot. Discard boot and rings.
- Clean the half-shaft bar. Use a wire brush in order to remove any rust in the boot mounting area (grooves). Inspect the needle rollers, needle bearings, and trunnion. Check the tripot housing for unusual wear, cracks, or other damage. Replace any damaged parts with the appropriate kit.