Axle Shaft Inner Joint & Seal: Reassembly
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.
- Slide the new clamps on the tripot seal. Install the tripot seal over the axle shaft. Install the tripot bushing into the seal. Slide the spider assembly onto the axle shaft.
- Install the new spider snap ring with the Snap Ring Pliers or equivalent. Install the tripot housing over the spider assembly and seat it in the bushing. Seat the small end of the tripot seal into the groove on the axle shaft.
- Compress the small clamp using the Clamp Pliers - Narrow Jaw or equivalent, until dimension (A) is 0.02-0.06" (0.5-1.6 mm). See Fig 1 . Fill the joint and seal cavity with the grease supplied in the service kit.
- Seat the large end of the tripot seal into the groove on the tripot bushing. Check the stroke position of the joint, and set it so the dimension (a) is 6.92" (176 mm). Vent the joint to relive excess trapped air. Secure the large clamp using the Axle Seal Crimp Tool or equivalent.