Axle Shaft Outer Joint & Seal: Disassembly
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT, 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 2003 Cadillac Escalade, 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT, and 2002 Cadillac Escalade. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Use a hand grinder to cut through the swage ring. Use side cutters to cut off the small boot clamp. See Fig 1 . Slide the boot down the axle shaft bar and away from the CV joint outer race. Wipe all grease away from the face of the CV joint. Find the axle shaft bar retaining snap ring, which is located in the inner race.
- Spread the snap ring ears apart using Snap Ring Pliers (or equivalent). Pull the CV joint and the CV joint boot from the axle shaft bar. Discard the old CV joint boot.
- 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. See Fig 1 . Repeat this process to remove all six of the 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. Lift out the cage and the inner race.
- Remove the inner race from the cage by rotating the inner race 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 contaminants.
- Dry all the parts. Check the CV joint assembly for unusual wear, cracks, or other damage. Replace any damaged parts. Clean the axle shaft bar. Use a wire brush to remove any rust in the seal mounting area (grooves).