Universal Joint: Service and Repair

Driveshaft Universal Joint





Universal Joint









Disassembly

1. Remove the driveshaft. For additional information, refer to Driveshaft Removal and Replacement.

2. NOTE: Do not clamp the driveshaft in the jaws of a vise or a similar holding fixture.

Place the driveshaft on a suitable workbench.

3. NOTE: Mark the positions of the driveshaft components relative to the driveshaft tube. Make sure all components are reassembled in the same relationship to maintain correct balance.

Index-mark the driveshaft and driveshaft components.









4. Clamp the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover in a vise.





5. Remove the snap rings.





6. NOTE: If the bearing cup cannot be pressed all the way out, remove it with vise grips.

Remove the driveshaft slip yoke.

1. Position the driveshaft in the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover.

2. Press out a bearing cup.

3. Rotate the driveshaft 180 degrees.

4. Press on the spider to remove the bearing cup from the opposite side.

5. Remove the driveshaft slip yoke.





7. Remove the remaining bearing cups and the spider.

8. Remove the snap rings from the driveshaft centering socket yoke end.





9. NOTE: If the bearing cup cannot be pressed all the way out, remove it with vise grips.

Remove the driveshaft centering socket yoke.

1. Position the driveshaft in the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover.

2. Press out a bearing cup.

3. Rotate the driveshaft 180 degrees.

4. Press on the spider to remove the bearing cup from the opposite side.

5. Remove the driveshaft centering socket yoke.





10. Remove the remaining bearing cups and the spider.

11. Clean the driveshaft yoke area at each end of the driveshaft.
- Inspect the driveshaft and driveshaft components for wear or damage.

Assembly

NOTE: U-joint service kits are to be installed as complete assemblies only. Do not use components from other U-joints.

1. Install a new bearing cup.

1. Start a new bearing cup into the driveshaft yoke.

2. Position a new spider in the driveshaft yoke.

3. Install the driveshaft into the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover.

4. Press the bearing cup below the yoke surface.





2. NOTE: Use the yellow snap rings supplied in the universal kit. If difficulty is encountered installing the yellow snap rings, install the black snap rings also supplied in the kit.

Remove the driveshaft from the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover and install the snap ring.





3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for the opposite side.

4. Install a new bearing cup.

1. Start a new bearing cup into the driveshaft centering socket yoke.

2. Position a new spider in the driveshaft yoke.

3. Install the driveshaft into the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover.

4. Press the bearing cup below the yoke surface.





5. NOTE: Use the yellow snap rings supplied in the universal kit. If difficulty is encountered installing the yellow snap rings, install the black snap rings also supplied in the kit.

Remove the driveshaft from the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover and install the snap ring.





6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for the opposite side.

7. NOTE: Do not strike the bearings. If binding, strike the yoke with a brass or plastic hammer.

Check the U-joint for freedom of movement.





8. Install a new bearing cup.

1. Start a new bearing cup into the driveshaft yoke.

2. Position a new spider in the driveshaft yoke.

3. Install the driveshaft into the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover.

4. Press the bearing cup 6.3 mm (0.25 in) below the yoke surface.





9. NOTE: Use the yellow snap rings supplied in the universal kit. If difficulty is encountered installing the yellow snap rings, install the black snap rings also supplied in the kit.

Remove the driveshaft from the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover and install the snap ring.





10. Repeat Steps 8 and 9 for the opposite side.

11. Install a new bearing cup.

1. Start a new bearing cup into the driveshaft slip yoke.

2. Position the slip yoke on the spider.

3. Install the driveshaft into the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover.

4. Press the bearing cup 6.3 mm (0.25 in) below the yoke surface.





12. NOTE: Use the yellow snap rings supplied in the universal kit. If difficulty is encountered installing the yellow snap rings, install the black snap rings also supplied in the kit.

Remove the driveshaft from the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover and install the snap ring.





13. Repeat Steps 11 and 12 for the opposite side.

14. NOTE: Do not strike the bearings. If binding, strike the yoke with a brass or plastic hammer to seat the bearing cups.

Check the U-joint for freedom of movement.