Universal Joint: Service and Repair

Removal Procedure

^ Tools Required
- J9522-3 U-Joint Bearing Separator

1. Raise and support the vehicle with safety stands.
2. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement-One Piece or Propeller Shaft Replacement-Two Piece.

Important:
^ Never clamp the propeller shaft tubing in a vise. Clamping the propeller shaft tubing in a vise could deform the tube and cause excessive runout or imbalance.
^ Protect the outer slip yoke ground surface. Nicks damage the transmission bushings causing transmission seal leaks.
^ Do not pound on the propeller shaft yoke ears or the yoke ears of the slip yoke. Pounding on the yoke ears may damage the components.





3. Remove the retainer rings (4).

Important:
^ Avoid marring any surface when pressing out the bearing cups.
^ Mark the orientation of the yokes to the tubes for proper phasing. Refer to Propeller Shaft Description.

4. If you are reusing the universal joint, remove the bearing cups (3) from the yoke (5) or propeller shaft by using the J 9522-3 in a press and removing the bearing cups partially out of the propeller shaft or the slip yoke.

Important: Removing the bearing cups from the propeller shaft or slip yoke (if being re-used) can damage the bearing cup seals, causing possible universal joint failure after service.

5. Remove the slip yoke (5) or the universal joint from the propeller shaft.
6. Inspect the retaining ring grooves for dirt, corrosion or pieces of the old ring.
7. Inspect the bearing cup bores for burrs or imperfections.
8. Clean the retaining ring grooves. Corrosion, dirt, rust or pieces of the old retaining ring may prevent the bearing cups from being pressed into place or prevent the bearing retainers from being properly seated.

Installation Procedure





Important:
^ Do not re-use the universal joint bearing cups (3) that are pressed out of the propeller shaft (2) or slip yoke (5).
^ If a hang-up or binding occurs, stop pressing and inspect the needle bearings for misalignment in the bearing cup.
^ When pressing the bearing cups into the yoke ears, take care to avoid damaging the grease seals. Hold the work securely and squarely so that you do not damage the cups during installation.
^ If installing the slip yoke onto the propeller shaft, insure proper phasing installation. Refer to Propeller Shaft Description.

1. Install the bearing cup into the yoke ear or the propeller shaft.
^ Start the cup seal first into the outer side of the yoke ear.
^ Place the bunion into position, and press the cup inward until enough clearance exists so that you can insert the retaining ring into the groove.
^ Place the opposite bearing cup into the yoke ear or the propeller shaft.
^ Place the bunion into position, and press the cup inward.
^ While pressing the bearing cup inward, carefully ensure proper fit of the universal joint into the opposite bearing cup previously installed.
^ Press the bearing cup inward until enough clearance exists so that you can insert the retaining ring into the groove.
2. In order to complete the build of the propeller shaft, repeat step 1 as necessary.
3. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement-One Piece or Propeller Shaft Replacement-Two Piece.
4. Remove the safety stands.
5. Lower the vehicle.