GM 89040243 Joint Kit,Propeller Shaft Front Universal

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Before beginning the universal joint replacement procedure, it's crucial to have a universal joint service kit specific to your vehicle. First, remove the driveshaft. For the outer snap-ring type universal joint, place the driveshaft on a bench equipped with a vise. Remove the snap-rings using small pliers, then support the cross (also called a spider or trunnion) on a short piece of pipe or a large socket and use another socket to press out the cross by closing the vise. Press the cross through as far as possible, grip the bearing cup with locking pliers, and remove it. A universal joint repair kit will provide new components like a trunnion, seals, bearings, cups, and snap-rings. Inspect the bearing cup housing in the driveshaft for wear and damage; if it's too worn, the driveshaft will require replacement. Ensure the dust seals are correctly positioned on the trunnion. Using a vise, press one bearing cup into the yoke about 1/4-inch, use grease to keep the needle rollers in place, insert the trunnion into the partially installed bearing cup, insert the needle bearings into the opposite cup, and press both cups into place using a slightly smaller socket. Install the snap-rings to secure the cups. For the injected plastic (inner snap-ring) type, if the joint has been previously rebuilt, remove the snap-rings located on the inner part of each bearing cup. For first-time rebuilding, it won't be necessary to remove the snap-rings; the pressing operation will shear the molded plastic retaining material. Press out the bearing cups, remove the trunnion (cross), and clean all plastic material from the yoke. Reassembly is similar to the outer snap-ring joint, but the snap-rings are on the inner part of each bearing cup. When installing the bearing cup, press it in until the snap-ring can be installed, and if needed, strike the yoke with a hammer to allow the snap-ring groove to move into position.

A drive shaft is a tube that carries power between the transmission or transfer case and the differential. There are universal joints on either end of the rear drive shaft and on the front end of the front drive shaft. The front of the rear drive shaft has a splined yoke that slides into the extension housing of the transmission or transfer case, permitting it to be moved back and forth during vehicle operation. An oil seal prevents this leakage. Very little maintenance is required for the drive shaft assembly, but it may become necessary to replace universal joints if they develop problems. Drive shafts should be kept clean and checked for damage. Driving noise or vibration usually reveals issues with this part. When inspecting, look at its surface for dents or cracks, as well as for oil leakage from both ends. The U-joints should have free play without binding, rattling or rocking in them. Make sure you also tighten up all bolts securing the driveshaft in place. On 4WD models, check out the front driveshaft too including any seepage around its sleeve yoke. Looseness in the jointity of front driveaxles can be determined by checking; also look for grease or oil leaks emanating from rubber boots as well as axle flanges.

To remove the driveshaft, start by placing it on a bench equipped with a vise. Use a small pair of pliers to remove the snap-rings. Support the cross on a short piece of pipe or a large socket and press it out by closing the vise. Grip the bearing cup with locking pliers and remove it. Inspect the bearing cup housing for wear and damage. If necessary, replace the driveshaft. Make sure the dust seals are properly located on the trunnion. Press a bearing cup into the yoke and use multi-purpose grease to hold the needle rollers in place. Insert the trunnion into the bearing cup and press both cups into place. Use a socket to press them into the yoke and install the snap-rings. Repeat these steps for the remaining bearing cups. For the injected-plastic type, remove the snap-rings on the inner part of each bearing cup. Press out the bearing cups and remove the trunnion. Clean all plastic material from the yoke and reassemble the joint using the same steps as the outer snap-ring joint, but with the snap-rings on the inner part of each bearing cup. If difficulty is encountered during installation, strike the yoke with a hammer to allow the snap-ring groove to move into position.

The driveshaft should be cleaned and inspected for damage when the vehicle is raised for service.

To install the new bearing caps into the yoke, use a vise to press one bearing cap into the yoke approximately 1/4-inch. Use chassis grease to hold the needle rollers in place in the caps. Insert the cross into the partially installed bearing cap, taking care not to dislodge the needle rollers. Hold the cross in correct alignment and press both caps into place by slowly and carefully closing the jaws of the vise. Use a socket slightly smaller in diameter than the caps to press them into the yoke.

Inspect the bearing cup housing in the driveshaft for wear and damage; if it's too worn, the driveshaft will require replacement.

During the inspection, the small weights used to balance the driveshaft should be securely attached.

In 4WD models, the driveshaft may have a splined yoke or companion flange at the transfer case end, and two-piece driveshafts usually have a slip joint at the front of the rear section.

If inspection reveals looseness or play in the driveshaft center bearing of a two-piece driveshaft, you should bring the driveshaft to a machine shop to have the old bearing pressed off and a new one installed. The yoke flange must be removed to replace the center bearing.

Remove the snap-rings on the inner part of each bearing cup. Press out the bearing cups and remove the trunnion. Clean all plastic material from the yoke.

Any noise or vibration while driving may indicate a problem with the driveshaft, which can be verified through a road test.