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Home >> GMC >> 2006 >> Sierra 1500 HD, RWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1135 (Wheel Drive Shafts) >> Repair Instructions >> Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint Boot Replacement >> Assembly Procedure

Assembly 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.
  1. Insert approximately 60 % of the grease from the service kit into the outer joint.
    1. Spread 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.
  2. Remove the inner joint from the bench vise.
  3. Fig 1: Removing/Installing Axle Shaft Boot Seal
    GM174617Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  4. Wrap a shop towel around the axle shaft.
  5. Place the wheel drive shaft horizontally in a bench vise.
  6. Install a new small boot clamp onto the wheel drive shaft.
  7. Install the boot onto the wheel drive shaft.
  8. Fig 2: View Of Ring Grooves
    GM1235687Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Install the new narrow retaining ring to the outer narrow ring groove (2) at the end of the wheel drive shaft.
  10. Install the new wide spacer ring to the wide ring groove of the wheel drive shaft (1).
  11. Fig 3: View Of Axle Shaft Retaining Ring
    GM174620Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  12. Position the outer joint horizontally.
  13. Engage the inner race splines onto the wheel drive shaft splines.
  14. Compress the axle shaft ring spacer.
    1. Press the end of the retaining ring, using a flat-bladed tool, into the wheel drive shaft groove while firmly pressing the inner joint onto the wheel drive shaft.
    2. Continue to work around the retaining ring, until it is compressed.
  15. Fig 4: Identifying Outer Joint Threaded Shaft
    GM174623Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    IMPORTANT: The wheel drive shaft and inner race must be fully seated to each other.
  16. Install the outer joint to the wheel drive shaft.
    1. Position a wood block over the end of the outer joint threaded shaft.
    2. Use a hammer to drive the outer joint onto the wheel drive shaft.
    3. Continue to drive the outer joint until the inner joint boots fully onto the wheel drive shaft.
  17. Fig 5: Inner Joint Seal, Small Seal Clamp, & Inner Joint Seal Groove
    GM1208666Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  18. Position the small boot clamp (2) into the boot groove.
  19. Position the boot and small clamp to the wheel drive shaft boot groove (3) as shown.
  20. Fig 6: Measuring Base Clamp Gap Width
    GM1034484Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice .
    IMPORTANT: The boot clamp must not be over-tightened or under-tightened.
  21. Using the J 42572  (1), crimp the small boot clamp. See Special Tools .

    Tighten:  Tighten the small boot clamp until the base has a gap of 1 mm (0.039 in).

  22. Fig 7: Inserting Remaining Grease From Service Kit Into Seal
    GM174625Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  23. Insert the remaining grease from the service kit into the boot.
  24. Fig 8: View Of Large Seal Retaining Clamp, Seal & Boot Groove
    GM1208968Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  25. Position the large boot clamp (1) onto the boot (2).
  26. Position the boot and large clamp to the joint outer race (3) as shown.
  27. Fig 9: Using J 42572 To Crimp Seal Retaining Clamp
    GM174632Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    IMPORTANT: The boot must not be dimpled, stretched, or otherwise deformed.
  28. Inspect the boot for proper shape.

    If the boot is not shaped correctly, equalize the pressure in the seal by lifting the seal edge slightly and shape the boot properly by hand.

  29. Inspect the boot for damage. If the boot has been damaged, replace the boot.
  30. IMPORTANT: The boot clamp must not be over-tightened or under-tightened.
  31. Using the J 42572  , crimp the large boot clamp. See Special Tools .

    Tighten:  Tighten the large boot clamp until the base has a gap of 1 mm (0.039 in).

  32. Inspect the outer joint for smooth operation. This will also distribute the grease within the joint.
    1. Hold the wheel drive shaft vertically, with the outer joint at the bottom.
    2. Rotate the wheel drive shaft 4 or 5 times in a circular motion.
  33. Install the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .