Axle Shaft Outer 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.
- Install the large clamp and the small clamp onto the seal. Install the seal onto the axle shaft bar. Install the retaining ring onto the axle shaft bar. Insert the grease from the service kit into the outer joint.
- Position the outer joint horizontally. Engage the inner race splines onto the axle shaft splines. Compress the axle shaft retaining ring. Press one end of the retaining ring, using a flat-bladed screwdriver or equivalent tool, into the axle shaft bar groove while firmly pressing the outer joint onto the axle shaft. Continue to work around the retaining ring until it is compressed.
- Install the outer joint to the axle shaft bar. Position a wood block squarely over the end of the outer joint threaded shaft. Use a hammer to drive the outer joint onto the bar. Continue to drive the outer joint until you feel the outer joint seat fully onto the axle shaft bar. Inspect to be sure that the axle shaft and the inner race stepped surfaces are fully seated to each other.
- Position the small end of the seal over the mating groove in the axle shaft bar. 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). Vent the joint to relieve excess trapped air. Compress the large 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 .