OEM 2003 Cadillac CTS CV Joint

2003 Cadillac CTS CV Joint Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to replace the front wheel drive shaft inner CV joint and seal on 2003 Cadillac CTS?

  A: The replacement of wheel drive shaft inner joint and seal requires these essential tools: snappers j8059 snap ring pliers and clamp j41048 drive axle swage ring work together to form the replacement tool set. Snap ring pliers (J8059) and drive axle swage ring clamp (J41048). Start by placing the halfshaft into a vise with towel placement around the halfshaft bar before clamping it horizontally. Cutting the large boot retaining clamp from the boot with side cutters leads to discard of the clamp. First cut through the halfshaft bar swage ring with a hand grinder before moving the boot away from the cross groove joint and cleanup grease from all joint components. Use snap ring pliers (J8059) to spread the retaining ring's ear openings on the cross groove joint and then discard the ring. Before taking out the cross groove joint shank maintain its angle to the halfshaft bar to preserve the straightness of the inner race and cage. Use snap ring pliers (J8059) to detach the cross groove joint assembly and transmission retaining ring. Discard both items. Pick out the inner boot and swage ring from the halfshaft bar while discarding them. Wipe down the joint with a parts brush and solvent before allowing the components to dry. Scrape away rust using a wire brush in both boot installation slots. The cross groove joint assembly requires examination for damage and a replacement if necessary. Place the fresh swage ring on the new inner boot's neck before skipping the swaging step. Place the inner boot onto the halfshaft bar but make sure the boot neck perfectly fits the boot groove. Use drive axle swage ring clamp (J41048) to install the inboard end of the halfshaft assembly. Swaging using drive axle swage ring clamp (J41048) should happen while properly aligning the ring with the boot and tightening bolts in opposite sequences until reaching a snug fit. Install the new race retaining ring using snap ring pliers (J8059) while working inside the inner race. The joint assembly receives a packing of grease through the cross groove followed by filling the inner boot with excess grease. The new transmission retaining ring must be installed on the cross groove joint assembly through use of snap ring pliers (J8059) after placing the new large clamp over the inner boot's large end. Drive the cross groove joint assembly forward onto the halfshaft bar until the retaining ring slides into its designated groove. Check that the inner boot stretches evenly without becoming dimpled before making any adjustments to its proper shape. Stroking the joint must reach dimension a of 271 mm (10.7 inches) before tightening the large boot retaining clamp to 176 nm (130 ft. Lbs.) using a torque wrench with a breaker bar. The torque force should build until the 1.9 mm (.075 inch) gap dimension appears followed by several complete cross groove joint strokes to spread the grease. Refit the halfshaft back into the vehicle.