While reinstalling the driveshaft the cap fell off the rear joint and a couple bearings fell out. After trying for 45 minutes to reassemble the joint I'm taking a break and hoping someone can explain the joint assembly. I put in fresh grease. Now I wish I had left them alone. Perhaps the cap wouldn't have popped off. Assistance is certainly appreciated!

 

Both caps off the cross. Install one cap half way into the yoke by squeezing in a vise.
Insert cross into the yoke and into the cap, squeeze cap farther into the yoke by using the vise again.
You'll be looking for a square and true line as you go though this process.
Start (slightly) second cap by using the vise.
The vise will hold the cap and the yoke while you maneuver the cross to engage both caps partially.
The placing of the second cap is where needles get misplaced, so go easy.
Squeeze till closed, wiggling the cross as you go.
A socket may be used to countersink the caps just below the surface.
Install the snap ring and continue countersinking the cap until you hear the snap ring click.
Repeat with opposite cap.
The cross may be a bit stiff after assembly.
Rap yoke ends at the beefy portion below the hole with a hammer/mallet to shift the caps outward.
This can also be done by setting the opposite yoke on top of the vise with jaws open to allow the other 1/2 shaft yoke and rapping the tight yoke towards the cross. The yoke you are working on will be in the gap between the jaws and the other yoke will rest on top.
You'll be driving the cross and cap outward.
If the circlips are on the inside, adjust accordingly.
There's got to be a picture here someplace. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g76yO8p4TI0
Ed

 

Thank you for taking the time to respond. It's actually not the u-joint but the cv type joints on the ends of the shaft. The rear joint popped apart and I simply need to reassemble it. There must be a trick because I'm having a difficult time.

 

single row ball bearing. Check for ball bearing assembly more.

 

Heath7, are you talking about the BIG ball bearings in the CV joint?

Lynn B.

 

Lynn_B, yes... The large ball bearings in one of the cv joints of the prop shaft for the rear diff. I set the prop shaft aside and haven't even attempted reassembly for months. I would actually love to mend this however. Ideas?

 

It's been lots of years since I replaced CV boots, but I remember taking the joints completely apart, cleaning every piece thoroughly, reassembling everything, greasing it all thoroughly, and installing the new boots. As I recall, everything went together smoothly. Again, it's been a long time, but I don't remember having any problems at all getting everything together again.

Could you post pictures of the parts? Maybe that would help jog our memories.


HTH,

Lynn B.