Removal Procedure

This procedure is to be performed only after the drive shaft has been removed from the vehicle. For the removal procedure refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .

1. Wrap a shop towel around the axle shaft.
2. Place the wheel drive shaft horizontally in a bench vise.
3. Using the J 46588  , remove the large seal retaining clamp from the CV joint seal. See Special Tools and Equipment .
4. Remove the small seal retaining clamp from the joint seal.

   Use a side cutter or other suitable tool and discard the clamp.

5. Separate the seal from the joint outer race at the large diameter end.
6. Position the seal behind the joint face.
7. Wipe the grease from the face of the joint inner race, cage, balls, etc.
8. Remove the outer joint from the axle shaft.
   1. Have an assistant hold the joint housing.
   2. Position a wood block between the seal and the joint along the joint face.
   3. Strike the wood block with a hammer to compress the axle shaft retaining clip.
   4. Continue to strike the wood block to remove the outer joint from the axle shaft.
   Fig 1: Removing The Outer Joint From The Axle Shaft

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Fig 2: View Of Axle Shaft Retaining Ring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. Remove the axle shaft retaining ring from the axle shaft.
Fig 3: Removing/Installing Axle Shaft Boot Seal
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. Remove the seal from the axle shaft.
11. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vise.
12. Wrap a shop towel around the joint outer race splined shaft.
13. Place the outer race vertically in a bench vise.
14. Make a ball accessible for removal.

    Tap gently on the joint cage, using a brass drift and a hammer, in order to drive a ball toward the bottom of its track. The opposing ball will be made accessible for removal.

    Fig 4: Using A Brass Drift And A Hammer To Position Ball Cage

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Fig 5: Removing/Install Ball From Cage & Inner Race
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
15. Remove the exposed ball.

    Use a small screwdriver to aid in removal if necessary.

16. Position the cage and inner race so they are level.
Fig 6: View Of Ball Removal/Installation Sequence
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
17. Repeat steps 14 through 16 in the removal sequence as shown until you remove all six balls.
Fig 7: Positioning Cage & Inner Race 90 Degrees To Centerline Of Outer Race
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
18. Position the cage and the inner race 90 degrees to the centerline of the outer race.
19. Align the cage windows with the lands of the outer race.
20. Lift to remove the cage and the inner race from the outer race.
Fig 8: Positioning Cage So Larger Radius Corners Of Cage Windows Are Up
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
21. Position the cage and inner race so that the larger radius corners of the cage windows are up.
22. Rotate the inner race 90 degrees to the centerline of the cage.
23. Align the lands of the inner race with the windows of the cage.
24. Insert an inner race land into a cage window.
25. Pivot the inner race down and remove it from the cage.
IMPORTANT: All traces of old grease and any contaminates must be removed.
26. Clean the following thoroughly with clean solvent:
    • The inner race
    • The outer race
    • The cage
    • The balls
    • The axle shaft exposed end.
27. Thoroughly air dry all the parts.