Outer Joint & Seal: 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.
- 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 axle shaft outboard seal from CV joint outer race at large diameter. See Fig 1 . Slide the seal away from joint along axle shaft bar. Wipe the grease from the face of the CV joint inner race. See Figure and Figure .
- Spread the ears on the race retaining ring with snap ring pliers. Remove the CV joint assembly from the axle shaft bar. Remove the axle shaft outboard seal from the axle shaft bar. Discard the old outboard seal.
- Place a brass drift against the CV joint cage. 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 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. See Fig 2 . Lift out the cage and the inner race.
- Remove the inner race from the cage by rotating the inner race upward. Clean the following items thoroughly with cleaning solvent. Remove all traces of old grease and any contaminates.
- The inner and outer race assemblies.
- The CV joint cage.
- The chrome alloy balls.
- Dry all the parts. Check the CV joint assembly for the following items:
- Unusual wear.
- Cracks.
- Damage.
- Replace any damaged parts. Clean the axle shaft bar. Use a wire brush to remove any rust in the seal mounting area (grooves).