Universal Joints GMC Vandura I

MAINTENANCE

If slip yoke has a tendency to stick 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.

ALL MODELS

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.

CROSS & ROLLER TYPE

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

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

1. Disconnect yoke attaching bolts or flange attaching bolts and remove drive shaft from vehicle. NOTE: DO NOT use pry bar to hold drive shaft while loosening bolts. Damage to bearing seals may result. (Scheme 10): Exploded View of Constant Velocity Type Universal Joint
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.
3. Remove cross assembly from yoke. DO NOT remove seal retainers from cross. Cross and retainers are serviced as an assembly. (Scheme 11): Exploded View of Universal Joint

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.
3. 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 shaft after removal, support shafts on both sides of constant velocity joint if shaft is being moved horizontally. Do not allow 1 end to hang free or 1 shaft to bend at a sharp angle. After removal, shaft may be carried vertically without damage.

Disassembly

1. Disconnect yoke attaching bolts and flange attaching bolts, and remove drive shaft from vehicle. Mark joint so that center yoke, end yoke, and crosses 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 a vise. Tap on yoke until it is free of bearing.
3. Repeat procedure for remaining bearings. Remove remaining parts from center yoke assembly.

1. Pack all bearings with proper grease, and 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 crosses and yokes remain aligned during this process.
3. Check for free movement of joint. If bind exists, seat bearings by sharply rapping yokes with a brass hammer. Never hammer on bearings.
4. Install drive shaft in vehicle, making sure marks made during disassembly are aligned.