Buick Enclave: Repair Instructions

FRONT WHEEL DRIVE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT REPLACEMENT

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.

2. Remove the right front wheel drive shaft. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.

3. Remove the intermediate drive shaft mounting bolts from the engine bracket.

Fig. 3: View Of Intermediate Drive Shaft Mounting Bolts

4. Remove the intermediate drive shaft from the vehicle.

Fig. 4: Removing/Installing Intermediate Drive Shaft

Installation Procedure

1. Install the intermediate drive shaft to the transaxle.

Fig. 5: Removing/Installing Intermediate Drive Shaft

2. Position the intermediate shaft support bracket to the engine.

3. Install the support bracket bolts.

Fig. 6: View Of Intermediate Drive Shaft Mounting Bolts

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution.

Tighten

• Tighten the bolts to 58 N.m (43 lb ft).

4. Install a new wheel drive shaft retaining ring.

Fig. 7: Identifying Wheel Drive Shaft Retaining Ring

5. Install the right wheel drive shaft. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.

6. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

FRONT WHEEL DRIVE SHAFT REPLACEMENT

Special Tools

• J-2619-O1 Slide Hammer
• J-29794 Axle Shaft Remover Extension
• J-33008-A Axle Shaft Puller
• J 44394-A Seal Protector

For the equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

Removal Procedure

WARNING: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, do not allow the weight of the vehicle to load the front wheels or attempt to operate the vehicle, when the wheel drive shaft(s) or wheel drive shaft nut(s) are removed. To do so may cause the inner bearing race to separate, resulting in damage to brake and suspension components and loss of vehicle control.

CAUTION: Wheel drive shaft boots, seals and clamps should be protected from sharp objects any time service is performed on or near the wheel drive shaft(s).

Damage to the boot(s), the seal(s) or the clamp(s) may cause lubricant to leak from the joint and lead to increased noise and possible failure of the wheel drive shaft.

NOTE: The following service procedure can be used for both left and right front wheel drive shafts.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.

2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

3. Insert a punch or brass drift (2) in the brake rotor so that the brass drift or punch rest against the brake caliper mounting bracket.

Fig. 8: Loosening/Tightening Wheel Drive Shaft Nut

NOTE: The following procedure is to ensure that the wheel drive shaft assembly does not rotate while the nut is being removed.

4. Using a breaker bar and socket, loosen the wheel drive shaft nut.

5. Remove the wheel drive shaft nut (1).

Fig. 9: Wheel Drive Shaft Nut

NOTE: DO NOT re-use the wheel drive shaft nut, discard and use NEW.

6. Remove the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.

NOTE: In the following service procedure, it is NOT necessary to completely remove the tie rod end. Only remove the tie rod end form the steering knuckle.

7. Remove the stabilizer shaft link at the stabilizer bar and secure. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.

8. Using the appropriate tool, separate the wheel drive shaft from the steering knuckle.

9. Remove the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement.

10. Remove and relocate the front strut assembly to the side and secure.

11. Using the J-2619-O1 hammer, J-29794 extension and the J-33008-A puller, remove the wheel drive shaft.

Fig. 10: Identifying Wheel Drive Shaft

NOTE: The following service procedure can be used on vehicles that are Front Wheel Drive (FWD) left side only, as well as vehicles equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD).

12. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle.

Fig. 11: Removing/Installing Wheel Drive Shaft

Installation Procedure

1. Insert the J 44394-A protector into the transmission.

Fig. 12: Protector Tool

2. Apply a small amount of grease to the intermediate shaft and or the wheel drive shaft splines. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants and Sealers.

3. Install the washer (1) on the wheel drive shaft (2).

Fig. 13: Wheel Drive Shaft And Washer

NOTE: The washer must be installed on the wheel drive.

4. Ensure that the front wheel drive shaft is properly seated.

Fig. 14: Removing/Installing Wheel Drive Shaft

5. Remove the J 44394-A protector from the oil seal.

6. Install the wheel drive shaft into front strut assembly.

7. Install the lower ball joint in the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement.

8. Install the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.

9. Install the stabilizer link to the stabilizer bar. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.

10. Install the wheel drive shaft nut (1), tighten by hand.

Fig. 15: Wheel Drive Shaft Nut

11. Insert a brass drift or punch (2) in the brake rotor so that it rest against the brake caliper mounting bracket.

Fig. 16: Tightening Wheel Drive Shaft Nut

12. Using a torque wrench and socket (1), tighten the wheel drive shaft nut to 235 N.m (173 lb ft).

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution.

13. Install the wheel house panel on the vehicle. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Front Liner Replacement (Acadia, Enclave, Traverse).

14. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.

15. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

16. Check the fluid level of the transmission. Refer to Transmission Fluid Level and Condition Check.

REAR WHEEL DRIVE SHAFT AND REAR AXLE SHAFT SEAL REPLACEMENT

Tools Required

• J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
• J 29794 Axle Shaft Remover Extension
• J 33008-A Axle Shaft Puller
• J 44809 Output Shaft Seal Installer

Removal Procedure

NOTE: Both the right and left wheel drive shafts are serviced the same.

1. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

2. Insert a brass drift or punch in the brake rotor so that the brass drift or punch rest against the brake caliper mounting bracket.

Fig. 17: Tightening/Loosening The Wheel Drive Shaft Nut

NOTE: The following procedure is to ensure that the wheel drive shaft assembly does not rotate while the nut is being removed or tighten.

3. Using the breaker bar and socket, loosen the wheel drive shaft nut.

4. Remove the wheel drive shaft nut.

Fig. 18: Identifying Wheel Drive Shaft Nut

NOTE: DO NOT re-use the wheel drive shaft nut, discard and use NEW.

5. Remove the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (AWD) , Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (FWD).

6. Position the J 33008-A axle shaft puller, J 29794 axle shaft remover extension and J 2619-01 slide hammer on the wheel drive shaft.

Fig. 19: View Of Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint Housing

7. Using the J 33008-A axle shaft puller, J 29794 axle shaft remover extension and J 2619-01 slide hammer, remove the wheel drive shaft.

Fig. 20: View Of Wheel Drive Shaft

NOTE: Because of the design of the wheel drive shaft inner seal, the seal will be removed at the same time the wheel drive shaft is removed. Replace the seal, DO NOT re-use the seal. Replace with NEW.

8. Remove the wheel drive shaft through the knuckle.

NOTE: The rear knuckle does not have to be removed in order to service either the right or left rear the wheel drive shaft. The opening in the knuckle is large enough to allow the wheel drive shaft to pass through.

9. If servicing the right wheel drive shaft, remove the muffler assembly. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Replacement (NB5) , Exhaust Muffler Replacement (NEA/NED or N10).

10. Remove the retaining ring from the tripod.

Fig. 21: Identifying Retaining Ring

NOTE: DO NOT re-use the retaining clip, replace with NEW.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the NEW the retaining ring on the tripod.

Fig. 22: Identifying Retaining Ring

2. Position the new seal in the wheel drive shaft seal.

Fig. 23: Identifying Wheel Drive Shaft Seal

3. Using the J 44809 output shaft seal installer, install the wheel drive shaft seal.

4. Install the wheel drive shaft through the knuckle.

Fig. 24: Identifying Wheel Drive Shaft

5. Check to ensure that the wheel drive shaft is fully seated by pulling on the inner joint housing and NOT the wheel drive shaft.

6. Install the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (AWD) , Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (FWD).

7. Install the wheel drive shaft nut.

Fig. 25: Identifying Wheel Drive Shaft Nut

8. Install the muffler assembly, if removed. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Replacement (NB5) , Exhaust Muffler Replacement (NEA/NED or N10).

9. Insert a brass drift or punch in the brake rotor so that the brass drift or punch rest against the brake caliper mounting bracket.

Fig. 26: View Of Tightening Procedure For New Wheel Drive Shaft Nut

10. Using a torque wrench and socket, tighten the new wheel drive shaft nut to 205 N.m (151 lb ft).

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution.

11. Check the fluid level in the rear differential for any fluid loss during the service procedure. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection.

12. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

FRONT WHEEL DRIVE SHAFT INNER JOINT AND BOOT REPLACEMENT

Special Tools

• J 35910 Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers

Disassemble Procedure

1. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.

2. Install the wheel drive shaft in a soft jawed vise.

Fig. 27: View Of Front Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint

3. Using a pair of side cutters, remove and discard the small boot clamp (4) from the boot (3).

Fig. 28: View Of Wheel Drive Shaft Components

4. Using the appropriate tool, remove and discard the large boot clamp (2) from the boot (3).

5. Remove the boot (3) from the from the tripot housing (1).

Fig. 29: View Of Boot, Tripot & Housing

6. Remove the inner tripot housing (1) from the wheel drive shaft (3).

7. Using the appropriate tool, remove the outer tripot spider retaining ring (1) from the wheel drive shaft (5).

Fig. 30: View Of Tripot Spider & Retaining Ring

8. Remove the tripot spider (2) from the wheel drive shaft (5).

9. Using the appropriate tool, remove the inner tripot retaining ring (3), if equipped, from the wheel drive shaft (5).

NOTE: Step 9 is for those vehicles that have an inner retaining ring for the tripot spider. If there isn't an inner retaining ring, skip step 9 and proceed to step 10.

10. Remove the wheel drive shaft boot (4) from the wheel drive shaft (5).

11. Inspect the wheel drive shaft inner joint. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint Inspection.

Assemble Procedure

1. Install the boot (1) on the wheel drive shaft (3).

Fig. 31: Identifying Groove In Wheel Drive Shaft

2. Ensure that the boot (1) is properly seated in the groove (2) in the wheel drive shaft.

3. Using the appropriate tool, install the inner tripot retaining ring (3), if equipped.

Fig. 32: View Of Tripot Spider & Retaining Ring

NOTE: Step 3 is for those vehicles that have an inner retaining ring for the tripot spider. If there isn't an inner retaining ring, skip step 3 and proceed to step 4.

4. Install the tripot spider (2) until just touches the shoulder on the wheel drive shaft (5).

5. Using the appropriate tool, install the outer tripot spider retaining ring (1).

6. Using the J 35910 pliers (1), close the boot clamp (2) until the gap (3) measures 1.8 mm (0.07 in) for vehicles with X88 and 2.6 mm (0.10 in) for vehicles with Z88/W49/WDA.

Fig. 33: Identifying Pliers Breaker Bar, Torque Wrench, Ratchet & Gap Measurement

7. Install the tripot housing (1) on the wheel drive shaft (3).

Fig. 34: View Of Boot, Tripot & Housing

8. Install the wheel drive shaft boot (3) on the tripot housing (1).

9. Place approximately half of the lubricant (2) in the boot (1) and the remaining half in the tripot housing (3).

Fig. 35: Adding Lubricant Into Axle Boot

10. Using the J 35910 pliers (3), ratchet wrench (4) and a breaker bar (5), close the boot clamp (1) until the gap (6) measures 1.9 mm (0.07 in) for vehicles with X88 and 2.6 mm (0.10 in) for vehicles with Z88/W49/WDA.

Fig. 36: Measuring Boot Clamp Gap

11. Remove any of the excess lubricant from the tripot housing and wheel drive shaft.

12. Move the tripot joint housing in a circular motion to distribute the lubricant in the tripot housing.

13. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vise.

14. Install the wheel drive shaft in the vehicle. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.

REAR WHEEL DRIVE SHAFT INNER JOINT AND BOOT REPLACEMENT

Special Tools

• J 35910 Drive Axle Boot Clamp Pliers

Disassemble Procedure

1. Remove the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Rear Wheel Drive Shaft and Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement.

2. Remove the outer CV joint and boot. Refer to Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint and Boot Replacement.

3. Using the appropriate tool, remove and discard the outer boot clamp (3) and the inner boot clamp (2) from the CV joint (4).

Fig. 37: Identifying Outer Boot Clamp And Inner Boot Clamp At CV Joint

CAUTION: Do not cut through the wheel drive shaft inboard or outboard boot during service. Cutting through the boot may damage the sealing surface of the housing and the tripot or the constant velocity joint bushing. Damage to the sealing surface may lead to water and dirt intrusion and premature wear of the constant velocity joint.

4. Remove the CV joint boot (2) from the CV joint (3) and the wheel drive shaft (1).

Fig. 38: Identifying CV Joint Boot, CV Joint And Wheel Drive Shaft

NOTE: If the boot is damaged and either water or other foreign material are found in the CV joint, replace the wheel drive shaft as an assembly. The inner CV joint is NOT SERVICED.

5. Using the appropriate cleaner, remove the lubricant from the CV joint and the wheel drive shaft.

NOTE: If the ball bearings for the CV joint have a dull surface on them, replace the wheel drive shaft as an assembly. The inner CV joint is NOT SERVICED.

Assemble Procedure

1. Install the CV joint boot and clamp (1) on the wheel drive shaft and CV joint housing (2).

Fig. 39: View Of Outer Seal & C/V Joint

2. Ensure that the CV joint boot (1) is properly seated in the groove (2) in the wheel drive shaft (3).

Fig. 40: Identifying Groove In Wheel Drive Shaft

3. Using the J 35910 pliers, breaker bar, torque wrench and or ratchet (1), close the clamp (2) until the gap (3) measures 2.6 mm (0.10 in).

Fig. 41: Identifying Pliers Breaker Bar, Torque Wrench, Ratchet & Gap Measurement

4. Place approximately half of the lubricant (1) in the CV joint boot (2) and the other half in the CV joint (3).

Fig. 42: Lubricating Boot Of Tripot Housing

5. Install the CV joint boot and clamp (2) CV joint housing (1).

6. Using the J 35910 pliers (3), breaker bar (5) and a torque or ratchet wrench (4), close the clamp until the gap measures 2.6 mm (0.10 in).

Fig. 43: Measuring Boot Clamp Gap

7. Move the CV joint in a circular motion to distribute the lubricant inside the cv joint housing.

8. Clean any remaining lubricant from the outside of the CV joint.

9. Install the outer CV joint and boot. Refer to Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint and Boot Replacement.

10. Install the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Rear Wheel Drive Shaft and Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement.

FRONT WHEEL DRIVE SHAFT OUTER JOINT AND BOOT REPLACEMENT

Special Tools

• CH 48894 Wheel Drive Shaft Boot Clamp Pliers
• J 35910 Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers

Disassemble Procedure

1. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.

2. Install the drive axle shaft in a soft jawed vice.

Fig. 44: View Of Front Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint

3. Use a flat-bladed tool, remove the boot clamp (2) from the constant velocity (CV) joint (1) and the boot (3).

Fig. 45: Identifying Boot Clamps

CAUTION: Do not cut through the wheel drive shaft inboard or outboard boot during service. Cutting through the boot may damage the sealing surface of the housing and the tripot or the constant velocity joint bushing. Damage to the sealing surface may lead to water and dirt intrusion and premature wear of the constant velocity joint.

4. Using a pair of side cutters, remove the boot clamp (4) from the boot (3) and the wheel drive shaft (5).

5. Discard the boot clamps (2) and (4). Use NEW clamps only.

6. Using a block of wood and a hammer, remove the CV joint (2) from the wheel drive shaft (1).

Fig. 46: Separating CV Joint From Axle Shaft

7. Remove the boot (1) from the wheel drive shaft (2).

Fig. 47: Identifying Clamp & Wheel Drive Shaft

8. Inspect the outer CV joint for damage and wear. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint Inspection.

Assemble Procedure

1. Position the boot (1) on the wheel drive shaft (2).

Fig. 48: Identifying Clamp & Wheel Drive Shaft

2. Ensure that the boot (1) is properly seated in the grooved (2) wheel drive shaft (3).

Fig. 49: Identifying Groove In Wheel Drive Shaft

3. Place approximately half the lubricant from the service kit inside the outboard boot and pack the CV joint with the remaining lubricant.

Fig. 50: Inserting Remaining Grease From Service Kit Into Seal

4. Using a block of wood and a hammer, install the CV joint (1) on the wheel drive shaft.

Fig. 51: Installing CV Joint

5. Install the boot clamp (4) on the boot (3) and the wheel drive shaft (5).

Fig. 52: Identifying Boot Clamps

6. Install the boot clamp (2) on the boot (3) and the CV joint housing (1).

7. Using the J 35910 pliers, tighten the boot clamp (2) until the gap (3) in the boot clamp measure 1.8 mm (0.07 in) for vehicles with X88 and 2.6 mm (0.10 in) for vehicles with Z88/W49/WDA.

Fig. 53: Identifying Pliers Breaker Bar, Torque Wrench, Ratchet & Gap Measurement

NOTE:

• Ensure that the boot clamp is properly positioned around the entire circumference of the boot.
• Ensure that the gap measurement does not exceed 1.8 mm (0.07 in) for vehicles with X88 and 2.6 mm (0.10 in) for vehicles with Z88/W49/WDA.

8. The following service procedure is for those vehicles equipped with the earless type clamp (1). For those vehicles equipped with the ear type clamp (2), proceed to step 10.

Fig. 54: View Of Ear Type Boot Clamp

9. Using the CH 48894 pliers, close the boot clamp.

Fig. 55: Latching Large Seal Retaining Clamp

NOTE: Ensure the boot clamp is securely closed and seated properly on the boot.

10. Using the J 35910 pliers, torque or ratchet wrench and breaker bar, close the boot clamp until the gap measures 1.9 mm (0.07 in) for vehicles with X88.

11. Distribute the lubricant within the outer CV joint by moving it in a circular motion at least four to five times.

12. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the bench vise.

13. Install the wheel drive shaft assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.

REAR WHEEL DRIVE SHAFT OUTER JOINT AND BOOT REPLACEMENT

Special Tools

• J 8059 Snap Ring Pliers
• J 35910 Drive Axle Boot Clamp Pliers

Disassemble Procedure

1. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Rear Wheel Drive Shaft and Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement.

2. Install the wheel drive axle shaft in a soft jawed vice.

Fig. 56: View Of Front Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint

3. Using the appropriate tool, remove and discard the outer boot clamp (2) from the CV joint boot (3).

Fig. 57: Identifying Boot Clamps

CAUTION: Do not cut through the wheel drive shaft inboard or outboard boot during service. Cutting through the boot may damage the sealing surface of the housing and the tripot or the constant velocity joint bushing. Damage to the sealing surface may lead to water and dirt intrusion and premature wear of the constant velocity joint.

NOTE: The following proceed is for the wheel drive shaft that have the low profile boot clamp. If the wheel drive shaft is equipped with the ear type boot clamp, proceed to step 6.

4. Using a pair of side cutters, remove and discard the inner boot clamp (4) from the CV joint boot (3).

5. Remove the CV joint boot (3) from the CV joint housing (1).

6. Using a pair of side cutters, remove and discard the outer boot clamp (3) and the inner boot clamp (1).

Fig. 58: Identifying Outer Boot Clamp, Inner Boot Clamp, CV Joint Boot And CV Joint Housing

7. Remove the CV joint boot (2) from the CV joint housing (4).

8. Using a hammer and a block of wood, remove the CV joint (2) from the wheel drive shaft (1).

Fig. 59: Separating CV Joint From Axle Shaft

9. Using the J 8059 pliers, remove the retaining ring (2) from the wheel drive shaft.

Fig. 60: Installing Spacer Ring

10. Remove the CV joint boot (1) from the wheel drive shaft (2).

Fig. 61: Identifying Clamp & Wheel Drive Shaft

11. Inspect the wheel drive shaft CV joint. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint Inspection.

Assemble Procedure

1. Position the boot and the clamp (1) on the wheel drive shaft (2), DO NOT crimp.

Fig. 62: Identifying Clamp & Wheel Drive Shaft

2. Ensure that the boot (1) is properly seated in the groove (2) in the wheel drive shaft (3).

Fig. 63: Identifying Groove In Wheel Drive Shaft

3. Using the J 8059 pliers, install the retaining ring (2) on the wheel drive shaft (1).

Fig. 64: Installing Spacer Ring

4. Using the J 35910 pliers (1), close the boot clamp (2) until the 2.6 mm (0.10 in).

Fig. 65: Identifying Pliers Breaker Bar, Torque Wrench, Ratchet & Gap Measurement

NOTE: When measuring the clamp end gap dimension, the gap should not exceed 2.6 mm (0.10 in).

5. Using a block of wood and a hammer, install the CV joint (1) on the wheel drive shaft.

Fig. 66: Installing CV Joint

NOTE: The CV joint should just touch the inner retaining ring.

6. Place approximately half of the lubricant (2) inside the CV boot (1) and other half in the CV joint (3).

Fig. 67: Lubricating Boot Of Tripot Housing

7. Remove any excess lubricant on the CV joint housing or the boot.

8. Using the J 35910 pliers, torque or ratchet wrench and breaker bar (3), close the boot clamp (1) until the gap measures 2.6 mm (0.10 in).

Fig. 68: View Of Outboard Seal, Large Seal Retaining Clamp & CV Joint Outer Race

9. Move the CV joint in a circular motion 4 to 5 times to distribute the lubricant.

10. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vise.

11. Install the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Rear Wheel Drive Shaft and Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement.

WHEEL DRIVE SHAFT OUTER JOINT INSPECTION

Disassembly Procedure

1. Remove the outer constant velocity (CV) joint and boot from the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint and Boot Replacement.

2. Remove any lubricant from the CV joint.

3. Install the outer CV joint assembly in a soft jawed vise.

Fig. 69: Taping Gently On Brass Drift With A Hammer In Order To Tilt Cage

NOTE: Position the cage and the inner race so they are level.

4. Using a brass drift (1), gentle tap the cage until the ball bearing can be removed from the cage.

NOTE: The following procedure will have to be repeated until all the ball bearing are removed form the cage.

5. Using a small screwdriver, remove the ball bearings (1) from the CV joint (2).

Fig. 70: Removing/Install Ball From Cage & Inner Race

6. Remove the ball bearings from the CV joint in sequence.

Fig. 71: View Of Ball Removal/Installation Sequence

7. Position the cage (1) at a 90º to the centerline of the outer race (2).

Fig. 72: Positioning Cage & Inner Race 90 Degrees To Centerline Of Outer Race

NOTE: Position the cage so that the larger radius corners of the cage windows are facing up.

8. Align the cage windows with the lands of the outer race (2).

9. Lift and remove the cage (1) and the inner race from the outer race (2).

10. Position the cage (2) and the inner race (1) so that the larger radius corners of the cage windows are up.

Fig. 73: Positioning Cage So Larger Radius Corners Of Cage Windows Are Up

11. Rotate the inner race (1) 90º to the center line of the cage (2).

12. Align the lands of the inner race (1) with the windows of the cage (2).

13. Move the inner race (1) land into the cage window (2).

14. Rotate the inner race (1) down and remove it from the cage (2).

15. Clean the following items thoroughly with the proper cleaning solvent:

• The inner race
• The outer race
• The cage
• The ball bearings
• The exposed end of the wheel drive shaft

16. If any of the above items are found to have excessive wear or are damaged, replace the outer CV joint as an assembly.

NOTE: The internal parts of the CV joint are NOT SERVICED separately. The outer CV joint is serviced as an assembly.

Assembly Procedure

1. Position the cage (2) so that the larger radius corners of the cage windows are up.

Fig. 74: Positioning Cage So Larger Radius Corners Of Cage Windows Are Up

2. Position the inner race (1) 90º to the centerline of the cage (2).

3. Insert the inner race (1) through the bottom of the cage (2).

4. Align the lands of the inner race (1) with the windows of the cage (2).

5. Move the inner race (1) land into the cage window (2).

6. Rotate the inner race (1) down and remove it from the cage (2).

7. Rotate the inner race (1) within the cage (2) so that the grooved surface of the inner race (1) is facing up.

8. Align the inner race (1) ball bearing tracks with the cage (2) windows.

9. Wrap a clean shop towel around the CV joint outer race splined shaft.

Fig. 75: Positioning Cage & Inner Race 90 Degrees To Centerline Of Outer Race

10. Place the outer race (2) vertically in a bench vise.

11. Position the cage (1) and the inner race at a 90º to the centerline of the outer race (2).

12. With the inner race and the cage (1) assembly in a vertical position, insert the cage and the inner race into the outer race (2).

13. Position the cage (2) and the inner race so that they are level in the vise.

Fig. 76: Removing/Install Ball From Cage & Inner Race

NOTE: The larger radius corners of the cage windows should be positioned up and the grooved surface of the inner race should be visible.

14. Rotate the appropriate component(s) and align the cage windows and the inner race ball bearing (1) tracks with the outer race ball bearing tracks.

15. Position a cage window and the inner race ball bearing track for the ball bearing installation.

16. Press down on the cage following one of the outer race ball bearing (1) tracks.

NOTE: When performing the following procedure, the opposing cage (2) window and the inner ball bearing (1) track will be accessible for the ball bearing installation.

17. Install the ball bearing through the cage window onto the inner race ball bearing (1) track.

18. After the first ball bearing (1) has been installed, use a brass drift and a hammer and gently tap the cage in order to drive the cage and the inner race down completely in the outer race.

NOTE: The following service procedure will have to be performed after each ball bearing (1) has been installed.

19. Position the cage and the inner race so that they are level.

NOTE: After the ball bearing (1) has been installed, there should be NO GAP between the ball bearing and the inner race.

20. Using a plastic hammer, lightly tap the ball bearing (1) into place.

21. Install the ball bearings in sequence.

Fig. 77: View Of Ball Removal/Installation Sequence

22. Repeat steps 18 thru 20 until all the ball bearings are installed.

23. Install the outer CV joint and boot on the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint and Boot Replacement.

WHEEL DRIVE SHAFT INNER JOINT INSPECTION

Inspection Procedure

1. Remove the front wheel drive shaft inner joint and boot. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint and Boot Replacement.

2. Remove the wheel drive shaft tripod bushing (1) from the tripod housing (3).

Fig. 78: Identifying Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint Inspection Areas

3. Remove the wheel drive shaft tripod housing (3) from the wheel drive shaft.

4. Remove the wheel drive shaft tripod joint boot bushing (1).

5. Using a suitable cleaner, remove the excess grease from the tripod assembly.

6. Inspect the following items for damage or excessive wear:

• The wheel drive shaft tripod boot
• The wheel drive shaft tripod assembly
• The wheel drive shaft tripod joint housing
• The wheel drive shaft tripod joint bushing
• The wheel drive shaft

7. If any of the internal parts are found to be excessively worn or damaged, replace the wheel drive shaft inner joint and boot. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint and Boot Replacement.

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