Universal Joint Description

The universal joint (1) is connected to the propeller shaft. The universal consists of four caps with needle bearings and grease seals mounted on the trunions of a cross or spider. These bearings and caps are greased at the factory and no periodic maintenance is required. There are two universal joints used in a one-piece propeller shaft and three used in a two-piece propeller shaft. The bearings and caps are pressed into the yokes and held in place with snap rings, except for two bearings on some models which are strapped onto the pinion flange of the rear axle.

Universal joints are designed to handle the effects of various loads and rear axle windup conditions during acceleration and braking. The universal joint operates efficiently and safely within the designed angle variations. When the design angles are exceeded, the operational life of the joint decreases.

You can install a service kit consisting of a spider bearing and snap rings if a universal joint becomes worn or noisy. If the universal joint needs replacing, you must remove the propeller shaft (2) from the vehicle. Avoid jamming, bending or over-angulation of any parts of the propeller shaft when removing or installing.