Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Cross & Roller Type

Fig. 3 Cross & Roller Type Universal Joints:




Fig. 4 Cross & roller type universal joints & propeller shaft:





Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate typical examples of universal joints of this type. They all operate on the same principle and similar service and replacement procedures may be applied to all.



Fig. 5 Removing Bearing Cups From Yoke:





SERVICING WITHOUT UNIVERSAL JOINT REPLACEMENT TOOL
Disassembly
1. Remove snap rings (or retainer plates) that retain bearings in yoke and driveshaft.
2. Place U-joint in a vise.
3. Select a wrench socket with an outside diameter slightly smaller than the U-joint bearings. Select another wrench socket with an inside diameter slightly larger than the U-joint bearings.
4. Place the sockets at opposite bearings in the yoke so that the smaller socket becomes a bearing pusher and the larger socket becomes a bearing receiver when the vise jaws come together, Fig. 5. Close vise jaws until both bearings are free of yoke and remove bearings from the cross or spider.
5. If bearings will not come all the way out, close vise until bearing in receiver socket protrudes from yoke as much as possible without using excessive force. Then remove from vise and place that portion of bearing which protrudes from yoke between vise jaws. Tighten vise to hold bearing and drive yoke off with a soft hammer.
6. To remove opposite bearing from yoke, replace in vise with pusher socket on exposed cross journal with receiver socket over bearing cup. Then tighten vise jaws to press bearing back through yoke into receiving socket.
7. Remove yoke from driveshaft and again place protruding portion of bearing between vise jaws. Then tighten vise to hold bearing while driving yoke off bearing with soft hammer.
8. Turn spider or cross 1/4 turn and use the same procedure to press bearings out of driveshaft.


Fig. 6 Installing Bearing Cups Into Driveshaft Yoke:





Assembly
1. If old parts are to be reassembled, pack bearing cups with universal joint grease. Do not fill cups completely or use excessive amounts as over-lubrication may damage seals during reassembly. Use new seals.
2. If new parts are being installed, check new bearings for adequate grease before assembling.
3. With the pusher (smaller) socket, press one bearing part way into driveshaft. Position spider into the partially installed bearing. Place second bearing into driveshaft. Fasten driveshaft in vise so that bearings are in contact with faces of vise jaws, Fig. 6. Some spiders are provided with locating lugs which must face toward driveshaft when installed.
4. Press bearings all the way into position and install snap rings or retainer plates.
5. Install bearings in yoke in same manner. When installation is completed, check U-joint for binding or roughness. If free movement is impeded, correct the condition before installation in vehicle.



Fig. 7 Removing Bearing Cups Using Tool & Adapter:




Fig. 8 Removing bearing cap by holding cap in vise & striking center yoke with hammer:





SERVICING WITH UNIVERSAL JOINT REPLACEMENT TOOL
Disassembly
1. Place driveshaft in a vise using care to avoid damaging it.
2. Remove bearing retaining snap rings. Some universal joints use injected nylon retainers in place of snap rings. During servicing, the snap rings supplied with the replacement universal joint assembly must be used.
3. Position tool on shaft and press bearing out of yoke, Fig. 7. If bearing cannot be pressed all the way out, remove it using vise grips or channel lock pliers or position driveshaft as shown and strike center yoke with hammer, Fig. 8. Mark yoke and shaft to make sure they will be reassembled in their same relative positions.
4. Reposition tool so that it presses on the spider in order to press other bearing from opposite side of flange.
5. If used, remove flange from spider.



Assembly
1. Start new bearing into yoke, then position spider into yoke and press bearing until it is 1/4 inch below surface.
2. Remove tool and install a new snap ring.
3. Start new bearing in opposite side of yoke, then install tool and press on bearing until opposite bearing contacts snap ring.
4. Remove tool and install remaining snap ring.