Universal Joint: Service and Repair

Universal Joint -Single Cardan/Flange Yoke





Special Tool(s)

Disassembly
1. Remove the driveshaft.

2. CAUTION: Do not clamp the driveshaft in a vise or similar holding fixture.

Place the driveshaft on a suitable workbench, being careful not to damage the tube.





3. NOTE: If components are not marked and installed correctly, driveline imbalance can occur.

Index-mark the positions of the driveshaft components.





4. Clamp the U-joint tool in a vise.





5. Remove all four of the snap rings.





6. Remove the driveshaft flange yoke.
1 Position the driveshaft flange yoke in the U-joint tool.
2 Press out a bearing cup.
3 Remove the driveshaft flange yoke.
4 Press on the spider to remove the remaining bearing cup.
5 Remove the driveshaft flange yoke.





7. Remove the spider.
1 Reposition the driveshaft in the U-joint tool.
2 Press out the bearing cup.
3 Rotate the driveshaft.
4 Press on the spider to remove the remaining bearing cup.
5 Remove the spider.
8. Clean the yoke area at the end of the driveshaft.

Assembly





1. NOTE: Universal joint kits are to be installed as complete assemblies only. Do not mix components from other U-joint kits.

Install the spider.
1 Start a new bearing cup into the driveshaft yoke.
^ Check the needle bearings for correct positioning.
2 Position the new spider in the driveshaft yoke.
3 Position the driveshaft in the U-joint tool.
4 Press the bearing cup to just below the snap ring groove.
^ Repeat for the other bearing cup.
2. Inspect the driveshaft flange yoke. Install new if necessary.





3. Install the driveshaft flange yoke.
1 Start a new bearing cup into the driveshaft flange yoke.
^ Check the needle bearings for correct positioning.
2 Position the driveshaft flange yoke.
3 Position the driveshaft in the U-joint tool.
4 Press the bearing cup to just below the snap ring groove.
^ Repeat for the other bearing cup.





4. NOTE: Use the yellow snap rings supplied in the kit to assemble the universal joint (U-joint). If difficulty is encountered with the yellow snap rings, install the black snap rings.

Remove the driveshaft from the U-Joint tool, and install the four snap rings.





5. NOTE: Do not strike the bearings.

Check the U-joints for freedom of movement.
If binding, strike the yoke with a brass or plastic hammer.
6. Install the driveshaft.