Dakota 4WD V8-318 5.2L (1991)
Constant Velocity Joint: Service and Repair
Front Suspension
Inner CV Joint
Disassembly
1.
Place inner CV joint housing in suitable vise, then remove boot clamps and pull boot back.
2.
Move axle shaft rearward against housing cover, then using a soft faced hammer, tap lightly on end of axle shaft to force cover from housing.
3.
Remove snap ring from end of shaft, then remove tripod.
4.
Remove axle shaft from joint housing, then remove boot.
Inspection
1.
Remove grease from housing and tripod.
2.
Inspect housing roller raceways and tripod for damage and/or excessive wear.
3.
Replace parts as necessary.
Assembly
1.
Install new boot over axle shaft, then insert axle shaft through housing.
2.
Slide tripod onto axle shaft with non-chamfered end facing snap ring slot, then install snap ring.
3.
Push tripod into housing, then install housing cover by lightly tapping into place.
4.
Distribute grease included in service package into CV joint housing.
5.
Install boot and clamps.
Outer CV Joint
Fig. 8 Axle Shaft Components
Disassembly
1.
Remove boot clamps, then pull back boot.
2.
Wipe grease away to expose CV joint.
3.
Support axle shaft in suitable soft jawed vise, then while supporting CV joint with one hand, tap top of joint body with a soft hammer to dislodge
joint from internal circlip installed in groove at end of shaft.
4.
Inspect wear sleeve on housing. If wear sleeve is bent or damaged, pry from housing.
5.
Remove circlip from end of shaft. Do not remove spacer from shaft unless axle shaft requires replacement.
6.
Inspect CV joint. If joint was operating satisfactorily and grease does not appear to be contaminated, replace boot only. If joint is noisy and/or
