Universal Joints Ford Bronco II I

MAINTENANCE

When slip yoke sticks in extension housing seal, remove drive shaft from vehicle and clean yoke with solvent. Lubricate inside diameter of seal with synthetic oil seal lubricant, and outside diameter of seal with transmission fluid.

Note. This procedure should also be followed whenever shaft is removed from vehicle.

OVERHAUL

Note. Universal joints should not be disassembled or lubricated unless external leakage or damage has occurred.

Before disassembly, scribe alignment marks on yoke and shaft to allow reassembly in original position. If joints are rusted or corroded, apply penetrating oil before pressing out bearing cups or trunnion pin.

There are 2 different retaining methods used for bearing cups, either snap rings or nylon retainers. Joints with snap rings may be taken apart and reassembled, using same cross shaft and bearings. Joints with nylon retainers are disassembled by breaking nylon retainers. Retainers must be replaced after service.

Disassembly

1. Disconnect yoke or flange attaching bolts and remove drive shaft from vehicle. NOTE: DO NOT use a pry bar to hold drive shaft while loosening bolts. Damage to bearing seals may result.
2. Remove retaining strap (if equipped). Remove bushing retainers from yoke, and press out rollers and bearings. Remove last roller and bushing assembly by pressing on end of cross shaft.
3. Remove cross shaft assembly from yoke. DO NOT remove seal retainers from cross shaft. Cross shaft and retainers are serviced as an assembly.

Reassembly

1. Coat roller and bearing assemblies with lubricant, and fill reservoirs in ends of cross. Place cross assembly in drive shaft yoke, and place roller and bushing assemblies into position.
2. Press both bushing assemblies into yoke until retainers can be installed, being careful to keep cross aligned in center of bushings. Install retainers, then repeat procedure for remaining bushings. Install strap (if equipped). Install drive shaft in vehicle, aligning scribe marks.

CONSTANT VELOCITY TYPE

Note. To prevent damage to constant velocity joints, center ball when removing drive shaft assembly. When handling drive shaft after removal, support shafts on both sides of constant velocity joint if drive shaft is being moved horizontally. DO NOT allow one end to hang free or one shaft to bend at sharp angle. After removal, shaft may be carried vertically without damage.

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

1. With drive shaft removed from vehicle, position assembly in vise. Mark position of cross shafts, center yoke, and center socket in relationship with stud yoke welded to drive shaft tube. NOTE: To obtain correct clearance, cross shafts must be installed on bosses in original positions.
2. Remove snap rings in front of center yoke. Using "C" clamp, tighten screw until bearing protrudes 3/8" (10 mm).
3. Remove drive shaft from vise. Tighten protruding part of bearing in vise. Rap against center yoke with hammer until bearing is free of yoke. Remove all bearings from cross shaft in this manner.
4. Remove cross shaft from center yoke. Remove centering socket from stud. Remove rubber seal from centering ball stud.
5. Remove snap rings from center and drive shaft yokes. Install "C" clamp tool. Tighten screws until bearing is pressing outward and center yoke slightly contacts slinger ring at front of driveshaft yoke. NOTE: DO NOT press center yoke beyond this point or slinger will be damaged.
6. Clamp exposed end of bearing in vise and hammer on center yoke until bearing is free. Press against cross shaft with "C" clamp to remove remaining bearing.
7. Remove center yoke from cross shaft, and remove cross shaft from drive shaft using same procedure.

1. Clean all components in cleaning solvent. Place cross shaft in drive shaft yoke. Ensure cross shaft bosses are installed in original position. NOTE: If repair kit is being installed, bosses will be lubrication plugs.
2. Using "C" clamp tool, press in bearings, and install snap rings. Fill socket relief and coat ball with proper grease. Position center yoke over cross shaft. Press in bearings and install snap rings.
3. Install new seal on centering ball stud. Place centering socket over stud. Place front cross shaft in yoke. Make sure cross bosses (or lubrication plugs) are installed in original position.
4. Place cross shaft loosely on center stop. Press first set of bearings into center yoke, then install second set. Install snap rings. Apply pressure to center yoke socket, and install remaining bearing cup. If replacement kit is used, remove plugs, and lubricate "U" joints. Reinstall plugs.

Installation

Note. The drive shaft assembly, with cross and bearings installed, must have its yoke ears at each end of the shaft on same plane.

1. Before installing drive shaft, wipe sliding yoke clean, inspect machined surface for scratches, nicks or burrs. DO NOT burr splines when engaging yoke splines.
2. Provide support for drive shaft during installation to prevent damage to universal joints. Position front end of shaft and aligning marks noted during removal.
3. Install and attach 2 clamps to pinion yoke. Install 4 screws and lock washer assemblies on CV joint at transfer case. Use press bar to prevent assembly from rotating while attaching screw assemblies.