Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
298 Manual Drive Trains and Axles
Outer
bearing
races
Driver
Bearing race
removal tool
Bearing carrier
Adapter
Driver
Driver
Press on
outer race
New bearing
fully seated
Press in
new grease
seal
Driver
attachment
A
B
Figure 15-22. This figure illustrates the installation of a new
bearing and seal in a steering knuckle housing. A—Installing the
new bearing with a special adapter. B—Installing the new seal.
(Honda)
Figure 15-21. Special drivers are used to remove and install the
outer bearing races used with tapered roller bearings. When
using these drivers, be careful not to damage the seating
surfaces in the housing. Races should not be removed unless
new races are to be installed. (Chrysler)
information on bearing installation. Figure 15-22 shows
the adapters needed to service the ball bearing and seal on
a common front-wheel drive vehicle.
Tripod Joint Service
Tripod joints, such as the one shown in Figure 15-23,
are often used as inboard joints and occasionally as out-
board joints in CV axle assemblies. The ability of these
joints to compensate for changes in the effective distance
between the transaxle and the wheel hub while allowing
the axle assembly to flex makes them popular.
The service techniques for most tripod joints are
similar. However, you may have to choose between
rebuilding and replacing the joint. See Figure 15-24. In
some cases, a joint may be damaged so badly that it is
easier and cheaper to replace it. Some tripod joints cannot
be rebuilt.
Following are the general procedures for rebuilding a
tripod joint. Always refer to the proper service information
for specific instructions.
1. To begin tripod joint service, clamp the CV axle shaft
in a vise. Be careful not to damage the shaft by over-
tightening the vise jaws.
2. Remove the boot clamps, and then pull the boot away
from the tripod joint, Figure 15-25.
3. Remove any grease that prevents a clear view of the
internal parts of the joint.
4. Separate the tripod and outer housing. Remove any
retaining clips or tabs as detailed in the service manual.
5. Paint alignment marks on the tripod spider and the
shaft to ease reassembly, Figure 15-26, and then,
remove the spider from the shaft, Figure 15-27.
6. Clean the spider assembly, and then inspect the com-
ponents for wear and damage. Pay particular attention
to the needle bearings, the wear surface between the
rollers and the housing, and the snap rings that hold
the assembly together.
7. Replace worn parts as needed or replace the entire
assembly with a new or rebuilt unit.
8. To reassemble the tripod joint, install a small boot
clamp on the axle shaft. Then install a new boot on