QuestionDiy. How can I renew my universal joints on the front axle of my dodge ram 3500 heavy duty 4WD pick up truck 2003 year.Do I also need to replace anthing else at the same time? many thanks Tim
AnswerDISASSEMBLY
NOTE: The following procedure is described for a propeller shaft equipped with only a cardan joint in the tube yoke. If the propeller shaft is equipped with a companion yoke, simply repeat the following steps to remove the cardan joint from the companion yoke after removing the cardan joint from the tube yoke.
Individual components of cardan universal joints are not serviceable. If worn or leaking, they must be replaced as an assembly.
Remove the propeller shaft.
Using a soft drift, tap the outside of the bearing cap assembly to loosen snap ring.
Remove snap rings from both sides of yoke (SNAP RING).
Set the yoke in an arbor press or vise with a socket whose inside diameter is large enough to receive the bearing cap positioned beneath the yoke.
Position the yoke with the grease fitting, if equipped, pointing up.
Place a socket with an outside diameter smaller than the upper bearing cap on the upper bearing cap and press the cap through the yoke to release the lower bearing cap (PRESS OUT BEARING).
If the bearing cap will not pull out of the yoke by hand after pressing, tap the yoke ear near the bearing cap to dislodge the cap.
To remove the opposite bearing cap, turn the yoke over and straighten the cross in the open hole. Then, carefully press the end of the cross until the remaining bearing cap can be removed (PRESS OUT REMAINING BEARING).
CAUTION: If the cross or bearing cap are not straight during installation, the bearing cap will score the walls of the yoke bore and damage can occur
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: The following procedure is described for a propeller shaft equipped with only a cardan joint in the tube yoke. If the propeller shaft is equipped with a companion yoke, simply repeat the following steps to remove the cardan joint from the companion yoke after removing the cardan joint from the tube yoke.
Apply extreme pressure (EP) N.L.G.I. Grade 1 or 2 grease to inside of yoke bores to aid in installation.
Position the cross in the yoke with its lube fitting, if equipped, pointing up (CROSS IN YOKE).
Place a bearing cap over the trunnion and align the cap with the yoke bore (BEARING AND CROSS). Keep the needle bearings upright in the bearing assembly. A needle bearing lying at the bottom of the cap will prevent proper assembly.
Press the bearing cap into the yoke bore enough to install a snap ring.
Install a snap ring.
Repeat Step 3 and Step 4to install the opposite bearing cap. If the joint is stiff or binding, strike the yoke with a soft hammer to seat the needle bearings.
Add grease to lube fitting, if equipped.
Install the propeller shaft.
