OEM 2004 GMC Safari Universal Joint

2004 GMC Safari Universal Joint Parts and Q&A

• Q: What tools are required to service and repair the universal joint with an external snap ring on 2004 GMC Safari?

  A: The proper tools to maintain an external snap ring Universal Joint are a u-joint bearing separator part number j 9522-3 and u-joint bearing spacer remover part number j 9522-5. Place the propeller shaft on a press then set it horizontally for service. Indicate on the propeller shaft which ends need to connect to the transmission or transfer case and to the rear or front axle. Use pliers to grip the snap ring ends and remove it; when a ring does not come out freely hit gently on the bearing cup's end to release pressure. Apply the 30 mm (1 1/8 inch) socket at the lower yoke ear to hold the support position and press the lower bearing cup out of the yoke ear using the u-joint bearing separator tool j 9522-3. To get the remaining bearing cup out fully, lift the cross and position the u-joint bearing spacer remover (J 9522-5) between the seal and cup before proceeding with the presses. Press the opposite end of the shaft to push out the second bearing cup while removing the cross section and associated Universal Joint parts from the yoke. When replacing front universal joints at the rear axle you must extract the bearings from the Slip Yoke in the same way. Check for impurities in the bearing cup bores and groove area of the retaining ring before cleaning the grooves properly. Begin installation by inserting half of one bearing cup into the new journal before placing it in the yoke space. Lower the yoke ear and place the cross piece before pushing the bearing cup into the yoke until it reaches flush with the surface. Fit the opposite bearing cup into the second yoke ear while keeping trunnions straight. Push the yoke ear carefully to fit the bearing without trunnion hindrance while making the bearing retainer groove visible. Press the bearing retainer onto its proper location before using a dead blow hammer to loosen the yoke bearings slightly when needed. Finally, install the propeller shaft.