Boot, Drive Shaft, Inner: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Jeep Cherokee. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

If the tripod joint bearings or housing is damaged due to loss of lubricant replace the halfshaft assembly.

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Place new small clamp on tripod boot (1).
Insert end of interconnecting shaft (4) into small end (2) of tripod boot (1).
Slide tripod boot up the interconnecting shaft (4) to gain access to the splined end of the interconnecting shaft.

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Engage spline of interconnecting shaft (2) into the center on the tripod spider (1).

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Using a brass drift (4), tap tripod spider (2) onto the interconnecting shaft (3) until it seats and the snap-ring groove is exposed.

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NOTE:
Use ONLY the lubricant provided with the new boot during the assembly of the tripod boot.
Install the snap-ring (3) to hold the spider assembly (2) to the interconnecting shaft (1).
Apply 1/2 of the tube of lubricant, provided with the new boot, into tripod housing. Apply the remaining amount inside the tripod boot.

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Engage the spider bearings (2) into the tripod housing (1).
Slide the spider into the tripod housing (1) until it seats.

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Slide the boot (1) toward the tripod joint until the small end (2) seats in the recess (3) in the interconnecting shaft (4).

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Using the Installer, Axle Clamp (special tool #C-4975A, Installer, Axle Clamp), crimp (2) the small clamp (1) to hold the small end of the tripod boot (4) onto the interconnecting shaft (3) and tighten the Installer, Axle Clamp C-4975A until the jaws are closed and the clamp is fully crimped (2).

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Inspect the tripod boot (1) to verify that it is not distorted or wrinkled in any way.
NOTE:
It may be necessary to equalize the air inside boot (1) to gain the proper shape.
Insert tripod housing (3) into the large end of the tripod boot (1).
An awl or trim stick (4) can be inserted under the boot lip to equalize the air inside the boot (1).
Center the clamp (2) in the groove in the tripod joint (3) boot.

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Engage the boot clamp pliers (1) or equivalent into the lock tabs (2) on the tripod joint boot clamp.

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Squeeze the clamp (3) to engage the lock tabs to hold the tripod joint boot in position on the tripod joint housing (1).
Install the half shaft in the vehicle. Refer to INSTALLATION .