GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 41048 Drive Axle Swage Ring Clamp.
    • J 22610 Keystone Pliers.

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.

    Caution: Refer to Vehicle Lifting Caution in the Preface section.

    Important: When the outer joint boot is replaced the inner joint boot must always be replaced.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .
  3. Remove inner constant velocity joint and joint boot. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint and Boot Replacement .

  4. Object Number: 1946981  Size: SH

    Important: The outer joint boot small retaining clamp (2) and outer joint boot large retaining clamp (1) are single use parts and must be discarded after use.

  5. Remove the outer joint boot large retaining clamp (1) and the outer joint boot small retaining clamp (2) from the outer joint boot (3).
  6. Discard the clamps.


    Object Number: 1946980  Size: SH
  7. Remove the outer joint boot (2) from the outer constant velocity joint (1) along the interconnecting shaft (3).
  8. Discard the outer joint boot.

    Important: All traces of old grease and any contaminates must be removed.

  9. Clean the grease from the interconnecting shaft (3) and outer constant velocity joint (1).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1946980  Size: SH
  1. Install the NEW outer joint boot (2) along the interconnecting shaft (3).
  2. Important: Install grease into the outer constant velocity joint (1) and the NEW outer joint boot (2). Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers.

  3. Install the NEW outer joint boot (2) to the outer constant velocity joint (1).

  4. Object Number: 1946991  Size: SH
  5. Use J 22610 (1) to crimp retaining clamp (2). The crimped distance (A) must be between 1.2 - 4mm.

  6. Object Number: 1946981  Size: SH
  7. Position the NEW outer joint boot large retaining clamp (1) and the NEW outer joint boot small retaining clamp (2) to the NEW outer joint boot (3).
  8. Crimp the NEW outer joint boot large retaining clamp (1) and NEW outer joint boot small retaining clamp (2) to the NEW outer joint boot (3).

  9. Object Number: 1946982  Size: SH

    Important: The NEW outer joint boot (1) must not be dimpled, stretched, or deformed. Always equalise the air pressure in the NEW outer joint boot with the joint in the centre of its plunge position and shape properly by hand.

  10. The outer constant velocity joint dimension A is 248 mm (9.8 in) for V6 and 254.3 mm (10 in) for V8.
  11. Fully cycle the outer constant velocity joint several times to disperse grease throughout the outer constant velocity joint.
  12. Install the inner constant velocity joint and joint boot. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint and Boot Replacement .
  13. Install the wheel drive shaft to the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .
  14. Remove the safety stands.
  15. Lower the vehicle to the ground.