Removal Procedure

Remove the left or right wheel drive shaft, refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Left Side or Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side (without Intermediate Shaft) and Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side (with Intermediate Shaft) .
Clamp the drive axle shaft in a soft jawed vice.

Fig 1: View Of Front Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Use a flat-bladed tool, remove the boot clamp (2) from the constant velocity (CV) joint (1) and the boot (3).

Fig 2: Identifying Boot Clamps
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

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.
Using a pair of side cutters, remove and discard the boot clamp (4) from the boot (3) and the wheel drive shaft (5). Replace with NEW clamps.
Using a block of wood and a hammer, remove the CV joint (2) from the wheel drive shaft (1).

Fig 3: Separating CV Joint From Axle Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Remove the boot (1) from the wheel drive shaft (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Clamp & Wheel Drive Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Inspect the outer CV joint for damage and wear. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint Inspection .