Axle Shaft Outer Joint & Seal: Disassembly

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2003 GMC Savana Special, 2003 GMC Savana Camper Special, 2003 GMC Savana, 2003 Chevrolet RV Cutaway, and 2003 Chevrolet Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Required Tools: Clamp Pliers - Narrow Jaw (J-43218).

Wrap a shop towel around the axle shaft. Place the axle shaft horizontally in the bench vise. Remove the large seal clamp and the small seal clamp. Use a side cutter or other suitable tool and discard the clamp.
Separate the seal from the joint outer race at the large end. Position the seal behind the joint face. Wipe the grease from the face of the joint inner race, cage, balls, etc. Remove the outer joint from the axle shaft bar.
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 ring.
4. Continue to strike the wood block to remove the outer joint from the axle shaft bar.
Remove the retaining ring from the axle shaft bar. Remove the seal from the axle shaft bar.