Universal Joint: Disassembly
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Carefully place the driveshaft on a suitable workbench.
- Index-mark the driveshaft and driveshaft components.
- Remove the snap rings from the universal joint.
- Using press plates, position the driveshaft so the universal joint spider supports the flange yoke or slip joint yoke.
- Using a brass hammer, strike the yoke in the area indicated to drive the bearing cup from the center of the yoke.
- Rotate the driveshaft 180° to drive the opposing bearing cup outboard.
- Using a drift punch, remove the bearing cup from the universal joint yoke.
- Rotate the driveshaft and tilt the universal joint spider to remove the universal joint from the yoke.
- Using a drift punch, remove the universal joint bearing cup from the opposing side.
- Repeat the procedure to remove the two remaining bearing cups and universal joint spider.
- Inspect the driveshaft and driveshaft components for wear or damage.
CAUTION:
Do not clamp the driveshaft in the jaws of a vise or a similar holding fixture.
NOTE:
Index-mark the driveshaft components relative to the driveshaft tube. Make sure all components are reassembled in the same relationship to maintain correct balance.
NOTE:
The bearing cup cannot be driven all the way out. Rotate the driveshaft when the universal joint spider contacts the yoke.
CAUTION:
Drive only on the bearing cup when removing cups from the yoke.