Universal Joints GMC Cab & Chassis R2500

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.

Scheme 1

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 2

Disassembly (General Motors & Jeep)

1. Disconnect yoke attaching bolts and flange attaching bolts, and remove drive shaft from vehicle. Mark joint so that center yoke, end yoke, and cross shafts will be installed in original positions.
2. Pry out all snap rings and press bearing out enough to allow bearing end to be clamped in vise. Tap on yoke until it is free of bearing.
3. Repeat procedure for remaining bearings. Remove remaining parts from center yoke assembly.

Reassembly (General Motors & Jeep)

1. Pack all bearings with specified grease. Assemble center yoke components in reverse order of disassembly.
2. Using arbor press or vise, press 2 opposing bearings into position at same time until all bearings are installed. Be sure cross shafts and yokes remain aligned during this process.
3. Check for free movement of joint. If bind exists, seat bearings by sharply rapping yokes with brass hammer. Never hammer on bearings.
4. Install drive shaft in vehicle, making sure marks made during disassembly are aligned. NOTE: The drive shaft assembly, with cross and bearings installed, must have its yoke ears at each end of the shaft on same plane.

Installation (All Models)

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.