Disassemble Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Pontiac G5 and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .
- Install the wheel drive shaft (2) into a vise.
- Using a hand grinder, remove and discard the inner (4) and outer (2) boot clamps.
- Separate the CV joint boot from the CV joint race (2) at the large diameter.
- Slide the boot away from the joint along the wheel drive shaft.
- Remove the lubricant from the face of the CV joint inner race (1).
- Perform the following procedures before removing the CV joint assembly from the wheel drive shaft:
- Choose a reference mark (B) on the shaft.
- Measure the distance between the reference mark (B) and the face of the CV joint inner race (1). Make a note of this measurement (A).
- Mark as a reference the inboard side, toward the center of the half shaft bar, of the CV joint inner race (1).
- Inspect the CV joint inner race/shaft interface for the presence of a retaining ring. If present, use the J 8039-A: pliers remove the retaining ring.
- Attach J 41398 to the threaded area of the outer race (2). See Special Tools .
- Attach J 2619-01 onto the outer end of J 41398 . See Special Tools .
- Use J 2619-01 to remove the CV joint from the shaft. See Special Tools .
- Remove J 2619-01 and J 41398 from the CV joint. See Special Tools .
- Remove the retaining ring from the shaft. Discard the retaining ring.
- Remove the CV joint seal (1) from the shaft.
- Place a brass drift against the CV joint cage (1).
- Tap gently on the brass drift with a hammer in order to tilt the cage (1).
- Remove the first chrome alloy ball (2) when the CV joint cage (1) tilts.
- Tilt the CV joint cage (1) in the opposite direction to remove the opposing chrome alloy ball (2).
- Repeat this process to remove all 6 balls.
- Pivot the CV joint cage (4) and the inner race 90 degrees to the centerline of the outer race (1). At the same time, align the cage windows with the lands of the outer race (2).
- Lift out the cage (4) and the inner race.
- Remove the inner race (1) from the cage (2) by rotating the inner race (1) 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 other damage.
- Replace any damaged parts.
- Clean the shaft. Use a wire brush to remove any rust in the seal mounting area (grooves).
CAUTION:
Do not cut through the wheel drive shaft inboard or outboard boot during service. Cutting through the boot may damage the sealing surface of the housing and the tripot or the constant velocity joint bushing. Damage to the sealing surface may lead to water and dirt intrusion and premature wear of the constant velocity joint.
NOTE:
Due to the helical splines on the shaft, disassembly and assembly of the joints will be difficult. Follow the instructions provided.