Removal Procedure

This procedure is to be performed only after the wheel drive shaft has been removed from the vehicle. Refer to Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .

1. Remove the bolt and washer assemblies from the wheel drive shaft.
2. Wrap a shop towel around the wheel drive shaft.
3. Place the wheel drive shaft horizontally in a vise.
Fig 1: Identifying Joint Boot with Clamps
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. Using a side cutter or other suitable tool, remove the large boot clamps (3) and (5) from the inner joint boot (4).
5. Remove the boot (4) from the joint (2) by moving the boot toward the outer joint.
Fig 2: View of Grease Cover of Joint
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Using a hammer and a punch, remove and discard the grease cover (1) from the joint.
Fig 3: View of Snap Ring Pliers & Retaining Ring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
7. Remove the grease from the face of the joint inner race, cage, balls, etc.
8. Using snap ring pliers, remove the joint race retaining ring (1).
9. Hold the inner joint horizontally to the wheel drive shaft.
Fig 4: Identifying Position of Brass Drift
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. Position the brass drift (1) on the inner race (2).
11. Carefully strike the brass drift (1) with a hammer to remove the inner joint assembly (2) from the wheel drive shaft.
12. Remove the boot from the wheel drive shaft.
IMPORTANT: All traces of the old grease and any contaminants must be removed.
13. Clean the following parts thoroughly with clean solvent:
    • The inner race
    • The outer race
    • The cage
    • The wheel drive shaft exposed end
14. Thoroughly air dry all of the parts.
15. Inspect the following parts for damage and/or wear:
    • The inner race
    • The outer race
    • The cage
    • The wheel drive shaft exposed end