If the front yoke is to be disassembled, matchmark the driveshaft and
sliding splined yoke (transmission yoke) so that driveline balance is preserved
upon reassembly. Remove the snaprings which retain the bearing caps.
Select two sockets, one small enough to pass through the yoke holes for
the bearing caps, the other large enough to receive the bearing cap.
Using a vise or a press, position the small and large sockets on either
side of the U-joint. Press in on the smaller socket so that it presses the
opposite bearing cap out of the yoke and into the larger socket. If the
cap does not come all the way out, grasp it with a pair of pliers and work
it out.
Reverse the position of the sockets so that the smaller socket presses
on the cross. Press the other bearing cap out of the yoke.
Repeat the procedure on the other bearings.
To install, grease the bearing caps and needles thoroughly if they are
not pregreased. Start a new bearing cap into one side of the yoke. Position
the cross in the yoke.
Select two sockets small enough to pass through the yoke holes. Put the
sockets against the cross and the cap, and press the bearing cap 1⁄4 in.
below the surface of the yoke. If there is a sudden increase in the force
needed to press the cap into place, or if the cross starts to bind, the
bearings are cocked. They must be removed and restarted in the yoke. Failure
to do so will greatly reduce the life of the bearing.
Install a new snapring.
Start a new bearing into the opposite side. Place a socket on it and press
in until the opposite bearing contacts the snapring.
Install a new snapring. It may be necessary to grind the facing surface
of the snapring slightly to permit easier installation.
Install the other bearings in the same manner.
Check the joint for free movement. If binding exists, smack the yoke ears
with a brass or plastic faced hammer to seat the bearing needles. Do not
strike the bearings, and support the shaft firmly. Do not install the driveshaft
until free movement exists at all joints.
The nut attaching the yoke and bearing to the front coupling is torqued
to 115–130 ft. lbs.
