GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • J 35910 Drive Axle Seal Clamp Plier
    • J 8059 Snap Ring Pliers

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 243155  Size: SH

    Note: Before placing the driveshaft in a vise, place protective covers over the vise jaws.

  1. Place the driveshaft in a vise.

  2. Object Number: 1393817  Size: SH

    Note: Do not damage the D/O joint housing while using the hand grinder.

  3. Use a hand grinder to cut through the large retaining clamp (2) located at the D/O joint (1).
  4. Discard the large retaining clamp.

  5. Use a hand grinder to cut through the small retaining clamp (4) on the small end of the seal (3).
  6. Discard the small retaining clamp.


    Object Number: 1393603  Size: SH
  7. Slide the seal (2) down the driveshaft bar and away from the D/O joint (1).

  8. Object Number: 1393622  Size: SH
  9. Remove the D/O joint housing in the following manner:
  10. Collapse and remove the D/O ball retaining ring using a common hand tool (screwdriver).
  11. Pull the D/O joint housing from the driveshaft bar.

  12. Object Number: 1393651  Size: SH
  13. Using J 8059 , spread the small retaining ring (1) located in the cage and inner race assembly (3).

  14. Object Number: 1393675  Size: SH
  15. Remove the cage and the inner race assembly (1) from the driveshaft bar (2).
  16. Remove the balls.
  17. Remove the inner race from the cage.
  18. Thoroughly degrease all parts.
  19. Remove the seal and discard.
  20. Clean the driveshaft bar, Use a wire brush to remove any rust in the seal mounting areas (grooves).
  21. Check the D/O joint housing for unusual wear, cracks, or other damage. Replace the assembly if any damaged parts are evident.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1393678  Size: SH
  1. Install the new small retaining clamp (2) onto the neck of the seal (1).
  2. Slide the small retaining clamp and seal to their proper position on the driveshaft bar (3).
  3. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  4. Secure the small retaining clamp using J 35910 (or equivalent), a breaker bar, and a torque wrench.
  5. Tighten the small retaining clamp (2) to 136 N·m (100 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1393683  Size: SH

    Note: The cage (3) is NOT symmetrical; the larger outside diameter is the bottom of the cage.

  6. Place the cage on the table large diameter side up.
  7. Place the inner race (2) with retaining ring side up into the cage.
  8. Place the six balls (1) in the cage windows.
  9. Slide the cage/inner race assembly, small cage diameter first, onto the driveshaft bar.

  10. Object Number: 1393651  Size: SH
  11. Install the small retaining ring (1) using J 8059 into the groove of the driveshaft bar.

  12. Object Number: 1393700  Size: SH
  13. Pack the seal and D/O joint housing with the grease suppled in the kit. The amount of grease supplied in this kit has been pre-measured for this application.
  14. Place the new large retaining clamp on the seal.
  15. Slide the D/O joint housing over the cage and inner race assembly.

  16. Object Number: 1393622  Size: SH
  17. Insert the D/O ball retaining ring into the groove at the top of the D/O joint housing.

  18. Object Number: 1393700  Size: SH
  19. Install the seal onto the D/O joint housing.

  20. Object Number: 1393726  Size: SH
  21. Check the inboard stroke position.

  22. Object Number: 1393750  Size: SH
  23. Secure the new large retaining clamp and the seal to the D/O joint housing using J 35910 (or equivalent), a breaker bar, and a torque wrench.
  24. Tighten the large retaining clamp to 176 N·m (130 lb ft).

  25. Fully stroke the D/O joint several times to disperse the grease.