This procedure covers removal and replacement of the inner CV boot on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 5.3L V8 RWD, which requires removing the halfshaft from the differential.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner CV boot kit (includes boot, clamps, and grease) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Differential gasket or RTV silicone × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Shop towels × 1 — Generic

Fluids

• ACDelco 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove wheel and tire assembly
5. Place drain pan under differential to catch gear oil during halfshaft removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove halfshaft from differential
   Locate the inner CV joint bolts connecting the halfshaft to the differential flange. Remove all CV joint bolts using appropriate socket. Support the halfshaft and carefully pull it away from the differential. Gear oil will drain from the differential opening - allow it to drain into the pan. Suspend the halfshaft using wire or bungee cord to keep it out of the way.
   Torque spec

   CV Joint Bolts76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove outer CV boot clamps
   If the inner CV boot is connected to the outer boot area, you may need to remove the outer boot clamps for access. Use CV boot clamp pliers or cut the clamps carefully with side cutters. Slide the outer boot away from the inner CV joint area to provide working room. Mark the tripod housing orientation relative to the shaft with paint or marker before disassembly.
3. 3

   Remove inner CV boot clamps
   Locate and remove both clamps securing the inner CV boot (one on the shaft, one on the tripod housing). Use proper CV boot clamp pliers or carefully cut clamps with side cutters. Slide the damaged boot toward the center of the shaft to expose the CV joint.
4. 4

   Disassemble inner CV joint
   Wipe away old grease to expose the CV joint components. Note the orientation of the tripod assembly on the shaft - mark with paint if needed. Remove the retaining ring or snap ring holding the tripod on the shaft using snap ring pliers. Slide the tripod housing off the tripod bearings. Carefully remove the tripod assembly from the shaft, keeping the needle bearings contained if applicable.
5. 5

   Remove old boot and clean components
   Slide the old inner CV boot completely off the shaft. Thoroughly clean the shaft, tripod assembly, and tripod housing using solvent and shop towels. Remove all old grease and inspect all components for wear, pitting, or damage. Check tripod needle bearings for smooth operation and replace tripod assembly if any damage is found. Wire brush any rust or corrosion from the shaft.
6. 6

   Install new inner CV boot
   Slide the new inner CV boot onto the shaft with the small end toward the center of the vehicle. Position the small boot clamp on the shaft but do not tighten yet. Ensure the boot is seated in the proper groove on the shaft.
7. 7

   Reassemble CV joint with new grease
   Pack the tripod housing with the CV joint grease supplied in the boot kit (typically half the grease packet). Install the tripod assembly back onto the shaft in the original orientation, ensuring proper alignment of any splines or indexing features. Install the retaining ring or snap ring to secure the tripod on the shaft. Pack the remaining grease around the tripod bearings.
8. 8

   Install tripod housing and position boot
   Slide the tripod housing over the tripod assembly, aligning with the marks made during disassembly. Work the inner CV boot over the tripod housing and seat it in the housing groove. Ensure the boot is not twisted and is properly seated in both grooves (shaft and housing).
9. 9

   Install boot clamps
   Position both boot clamps (small and large) in their respective grooves. Use CV boot clamp pliers to properly crimp or tighten the clamps according to the boot kit instructions. Ensure clamps are fully seated and secure. The boot should not be able to rotate on either the shaft or housing.
10. 10

    Reinstall outer boot clamps if removed
    If outer CV boot clamps were removed for access, reinstall new clamps and secure them properly. Ensure the outer boot is correctly positioned and sealed.
11. 11

    Reinstall halfshaft to differential
    Clean the differential flange and halfshaft mating surfaces. Align the halfshaft inner CV joint to the differential flange, ensuring proper spline engagement. Install all CV joint bolts and tighten in a crisscross pattern to proper specification.
    Torque spec

    CV Joint Bolts76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Refill differential fluid
    Locate the differential fill plug on the differential housing. Remove the fill plug and add ACDelco 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil until fluid begins to drip from the fill hole (approximately 2 quarts). Reinstall the fill plug and tighten to specification if torque value is available. Wipe away any spilled fluid.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel and tire assembly. Install lug nuts and hand-tighten in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all CV boot clamps are properly secured and boots are not twisted
2. Verify differential fluid level is correct before operating vehicle
3. Check for any fluid leaks around the differential after refilling
4. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification

Verification

• Test drive vehicle and listen for clicking or popping noises during turns which would indicate CV joint issues
• Inspect inner CV boot for proper seating and no tears or damage
• Check for differential fluid leaks around the fill plug and halfshaft connection
• Verify no vibration or unusual noises from the driveline during acceleration and deceleration
• Recheck differential fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary

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