Universal joints – replacement
Single-cardan U-joints
Note: A press or large vise will be required for this procedure. It may be advisable to take the driveshaft to a local dealer service department, service station or machine shop where the universal joints can be replaced for you, normally at a reasonable charge.
1. Remove the driveshaft (Driveshaft(s) – removal and installation).
2. On U-joints with external snap-rings, use a small pair of pliers to remove the snap-rings from the spider (see illustration).
12.2 A pair of needle-nose pliers can be used to remove the universal joint snap-rings
3. Supporting the driveshaft, place it in position on a workbench equipped with a vise.
4. Place a piece of pipe or a large socket, having an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the bearing caps, over one of the bearing caps. Position a socket with an outside diameter slightly smaller than that of the opposite bearing cap against the cap (see illustration) and use the vise or press to force the bearing cap out (inside the pipe or large socket). Use the vise or large pliers to work the bearing cap the rest of the way out.
12.4 To press the universal joint out of the driveshaft yoke, set it up in a vise with the small socket pushing the joint and bearing cap into the large socket
5. Transfer the sockets to the other side and press the opposite bearing cap out in the same manner.
6. Pack the new universal joint bearings with grease. Ordinarily, specific instructions for lubrication will be included with the universal joint servicing kit and should be followed carefully.
7. Position the spider in the yoke and partially install one bearing cap in the yoke.
8. Start the spider into the bearing cap, then partially install the other cap. Align the spider and press the bearing caps into position, being careful not to damage the dust seals.
9. Install the snap-rings. If difficulty is encountered in seating the snap-rings, strike the driveshaft yoke sharply with a hammer. This should spring the yoke ears slightly and allow the snap-rings to seat in the groove (see illustration).
12.9 If the snap-ring will not seat in the groove, strike the yoke with a brass hammer – this will relieve the tension that has set up in the yoke and slightly spring the yoke ears (this should also be done if the joint feels tight when assembled)
10. Install the grease fitting and fill the joint with grease. Do not overfill the joint, as this could blow out the grease seals.
11. Install the driveshaft (Driveshaft(s) – removal and installation).
Double-cardan U-joints
12. Use the above procedure, but note that it will have to be repeated because the doublecardan joint is made up of two single-cardan joints. Also pay attention to how the spring, centering ball and bearing are arranged.
Note: Both U-joints in the double-cardan assembly must be replaced at the same time, even if only half of it is worn out.