Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2011 GMC Yukon XL, 2011 GMC Yukon, 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2011 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Remove the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (2500) , Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (1500) .
- Use a hand grinder to cut through the swage ring (2).
- Use side cutters to cut off the small boot clamp (4).
- Slide the boot (5) down the halfshaft bar (4) and away from the CV joint outer race (1).
- Wipe all grease away from the face of the CV joint.
- Find the halfshaft bar retaining snap ring (3), which is located in the inner race (2).
- Spread the snap ring ears apart using J-8059 pliers (or equivalent).
- Pull the CV joint (1) and the CV joint boot (5) from the halfshaft bar (4).
- Discard the old CV joint boot (5).
- Place a brass drift against the CV joint cage (1).
- Tap gently on the brass drift with a hammer in order to tilt the cage (1).
- Remove the first chrome alloy ball (2) when the CV joint cage (1) tilts.
- Tilt the CV joint cage (1) in the opposite direction to remove the opposing chrome alloy ball (2).
- Repeat this process to remove all six of the balls.
- Pivot the CV joint cage (4) and the inner race 90 degrees to the center line of the outer race (1). At the same time, align the cage windows (3) with the lands of the outer race (2).
- Lift out the cage (4) and the inner race.
- Remove the inner race (1) from the cage (2) by rotating the inner race (1) upward.
- Clean the following items thoroughly with cleaning solvent. Remove all traces of old grease and any contaminates.
- The inner and outer race assemblies
- The CV joint cage
- The chrome alloy balls
- Dry all the parts.
- Check the CV joint assembly for unusual wear, cracks, or other damage.
- Replace any damaged parts.
- Clean the halfshaft bar. Use a wire brush to remove any rust in the seal mounting area (grooves).
NOTE:
Use caution when using the hand grinder by the CV joint outer race (1).