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Universal Joints - Part 5: U-Joint Tools and Removal
WeberAuto
Overview
This video demonstrates the proper removal of driveshafts and universal joints (U-joints) from a vehicle, emphasizing techniques that avoid damage. It covers marking the driveshaft's orientation before removal to ensure correct reinstallation, measuring driveshaft runout, and the use of specialized tools for pressing out U-joints. The presenter strongly advises against using brute force methods like hammers and chisels, instead advocating for presses and specific adapters to protect the driveshaft components. The importance of cleaning and preparing the yoke and snap ring grooves for new U-joints is also highlighted.
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Chapters
- Always mark the alignment between the driveshaft and the companion flange before removal to maintain the original orientation.
- This marking helps prevent increased driveshaft runout upon reinstallation, which can cause vibrations.
- A paint marker is a suitable tool for creating these alignment marks.
- Measure driveshaft runout using a dial indicator to establish a baseline and identify high/low spots.
Properly marking the driveshaft ensures it's reinstalled in the same orientation, minimizing potential vibrations caused by runout and maintaining drivetrain balance.
Using a yellow paint marker to draw lines connecting the driveshaft yoke to the pinion companion flange.
- Securely block one wheel to allow the opposite wheel to rotate freely, enabling driveshaft rotation without manual force.
- When removing the driveshaft from the transfer case, maintain its orientation to avoid rotating the transfer case output shaft.
- Driveshafts, especially aluminum ones, should be handled carefully to avoid dropping or damaging them.
- Hold-down straps and bolts for companion flanges are typically not reusable and require replacement.
Careful removal prevents damage to the driveshaft, transfer case, and associated components, ensuring a smoother reinstallation process.
Using a piece of 2x4 wedged into the spokes of a wheel to prevent it from rotating while the opposite wheel is turned to spin the driveshaft.
- Never use a hammer and chisel to remove U-joints, as this can bend or damage the yoke ears.
- Heat should not be used on U-joints with plastic injected retainers, as it can damage the driveshaft and leave residue.
- Specialized U-joint press tools are designed to push on the U-joint cross, not the yoke ears, preventing damage.
- Ensure snap rings are removed before attempting to press out U-joint bearing cups.
Improper removal techniques can permanently damage expensive driveshaft components, necessitating costly replacements.
Demonstrating how a hammer and chisel can bend the ears of a driveshaft yoke, making it unusable.
- The General Motors J 9522-3 tool is designed to press on the U-joint cross, avoiding stress on the yoke ears.
- Ford and OTC tools (like part number 205-086-01) are wider and suitable for larger U-joints, pressing on opposite ears.
- A bridge puller, when adapted, can be converted into an adjustable U-joint press.
- Arbor presses or hydraulic presses are recommended for applying controlled force during U-joint removal and installation.
Using the correct tools ensures that force is applied precisely, preventing damage to the driveshaft and U-joint components.
Using the GM J 9522-3 tool in an arbor press to push a U-joint bearing cup out of a yoke ear.
- Position the yoke on a press plate or socket that supports the ear opposite the one being pressed.
- Place the U-joint press tool onto the U-joint cross.
- Apply steady pressure with the press to push the bearing cup out, stopping when the cross contacts the yoke ear.
- Clamp the partially pressed-out bearing cup in a vise and wiggle the driveshaft to fully remove it.
- Repeat the process for the remaining bearing cups.
This controlled pressing method ensures that the force is directed correctly, preventing damage to the yoke and allowing for the safe removal of bearing cups.
Pressing a bearing cup down until the U-joint cross touches the yoke ear, then removing the partially pressed cup from a vise.
- Inspect the U-joint trunnions for signs of 'brudeling' (indentations from excessive torque or load).
- Clean the yoke ears and snap ring grooves thoroughly using brake cleaner and picks.
- Look for signs of spinning within the yoke ears, which can indicate wear or damage.
- Do not lubricate the outside of bearing cups or the inside of yoke ears during installation, as this can promote rotation.
- Replace all U-joints on a driveshaft simultaneously to maintain balance.
Thorough cleaning and inspection ensure that the new U-joint will seat properly and that any underlying damage or wear is identified before reassembly.
Using a 90-degree pick to clean out dirt and old grease from the snap ring groove inside a yoke ear.
- Snap rings come in various thicknesses, and using the correct thickness is crucial for proper U-joint function.
- Measure the thickness of removed snap rings to understand the original setup and potential variations in yoke groove depths.
- Excessive or insufficient lateral play (side-to-side movement) in the U-joint can cause vibrations.
- The goal is to achieve a small, consistent amount of lateral play, typically adjustable with different snap ring thicknesses.
- Damaged or 'sprung' snap rings, identified by their shape, must be replaced.
Correct snap ring selection and ensuring proper lateral play are essential for the longevity and smooth operation of the U-joint, preventing binding and vibrations.
Comparing the thickness of copper (59 thousandths) and coated (63 thousandths) snap rings, noting the 4 thousandths difference that accounts for yoke groove variations.
Key takeaways
- Always mark driveshaft orientation before removal to prevent reinstallation errors that cause vibrations.
- Use specialized press tools, not hammers, to remove U-joints and avoid damaging yoke ears.
- Properly support yoke ears when pressing U-joint bearing cups to prevent bending.
- Thoroughly clean yoke ears and snap ring grooves before installing new U-joints.
- The correct thickness of snap rings is critical for setting U-joint lateral play and preventing binding.
- Damaged U-joints or yokes can result from improper removal techniques.
- Replace all U-joints on a driveshaft at the same time for balance.
Key terms
Universal Joint (U-Joint)DriveshaftCompanion FlangeYokeBearing CapCross (Trunnion)Snap RingLateral PlayRunoutArbor PressHydraulic PressPaint Marker
Test your understanding
- Why is it important to mark the driveshaft's orientation before removing it?
- What are the risks associated with using a hammer and chisel to remove a U-joint?
- How do specialized U-joint press tools differ from brute force methods, and why are they preferred?
- What is the purpose of snap rings in a U-joint assembly, and how do their thicknesses affect function?
- Describe the steps involved in properly cleaning the yoke ears and snap ring grooves before installing a new U-joint.