Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Cadillac CTS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Insert approximately 60 percent of the grease from the service kit into the inner joint.
1. Spread 60 percent the grease onto the ball tracks, the balls, the cage, and the inner race.
2. Spread the remainder of the grease into the bottom of the outer race.

Fig 1: View Of Wheel Drive Shaft, Seal & Retaining Clamp

GM861260

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Slide the boot (1) onto the wheel drive shaft (3).
Install a new small boot clamp (2) onto the wheel drive shaft (3).
Using a brass drift and a hammer, install the inner joint assembly onto the wheel drive shaft.

Fig 2: Identifying Pliers for Drive Shaft Retaining Ring

GM1976269

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Using snap ring pliers, install the new wheel drive shaft retaining ring (1).
Ensure that the retaining ring (1) is properly seated in the groove on the wheel drive shaft.
Install the boot into the inner joint.

Fig 3: Inner Joint Seal, Small Seal Clamp, & Inner Joint Seal Groove

GM1208666

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: The boot and clamp must be seated in the groove on the wheel drive shaft to ensure that the boot seals properly.

Position the boot (1) and the clamp (2) on the wheel drive shaft (3) as shown.

Fig 4: View of Clamp on Wheel Drive Shaft

GM1977776

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: The boot retaining clamp must not be over-tightened or under tightened.

Using the J 42572 (1), crimp the small boot clamp. See Special Tools .
Tighten: Tighten the small boot clamp until the base of the clamp has a gap of 1 mm (0.039 in).

Fig 5: View Of Large Seal Retaining Clamp, Seal & Boot Groove

GM1208968

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Position the boot and the large clamp (1) and the boot (2) in the groove (3) in the joint.

Fig 6: Identifying Clamp on Boot Joint

GM1976272

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Before crimping the clamp (2), position the clamp between the bolts and washers (1), as shown, to allow for the bolt installation and removal.
Inspect the boot for the proper shape. If the boot is not shaped correctly, equalize the pressure in the boot by lifting the boot edge slightly and reshape the boot properly by hand.
Inspect the boot for damage. If the boot was damaged during assembly, replace the boot.

Fig 7: Identifying Boot Retaining Clamp

GM1977776

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: The boot retaining clamp must not be over-tightened or under tightened.

Using the J 42572 (1), crimp the large boot clamp. See Special Tools .
Tighten: Tighten the large boot clamp until the base of the clamp has a gap of 1 mm (0.039 in).
Using an alcohol based solvent, remove any grease or sealant from the cap for the inner joint and allow to air dry.
Place a 3 mm (0.118 in) bead of sealant, GM P/N 88861422 (Canadian P/N 88861422) or equivalent, on the inside diameter of the joint face assembly.

Fig 8: View of J-22928-B and Cap Cover

GM1976274

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Align the bolt holes in the grease cap with the bolt holes in the joint assembly.

Using the J-22928-B (1), install the grease cap cover (2) to the joint assembly. See Special Tools .
Inspect the inner joint for smooth operation. This will also distribute the grease within the joint.
- Hold the wheel drive shaft vertically, with the inner joint at the bottom.
- Rotate the wheel drive shaft 4 or 5 times in a circular motion.
Install the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .