OEM Chevrolet Express 2500 Universal Joint

Chevrolet Express 2500 Universal Joint Parts and Q&A

• Universal Joints
  88964413
  Q: What tools are needed to service and repair the universal joint with an external snap ring on Chevrolet Express 2500?

  A:

  When fixing the universal joint with an external snap ring you need the U-Joint Bearing Separator (J9522-3) and U-Joint Bearing Spacer Remover (J9522-5). Place the propeller shaft on the press horizontally for service while keeping the tube assembly out of any vise grippers. Draw markings on the propeller shaft surfaces to match the assembly parts. Close the snap rings with pliers before tapping the cup softly with light force to release the pressure. Position the horizontal bearing cups of the U-Joint Bearing Separator (J9522-3) over the open cups and fit them on the 30 mm (1-1/8 inch) hex head socket or 27 mm (1-1/16 inch) socket to push out the lower bearing cup. To extract the bearing cup further lift the cross and put the U-Joint Bearing Spacer Remover (J9522-5) between the seal and the cup to apply pressure. Turn the shaft to drive out the opposite bearing cup while also marking the cross design. Take off the cross pieces from the slip yoke after removal. Check if grooves of retaining rings and bores of bearing cups look smooth and free from debris. To build the yoke place a bearing cup into one side and put the cross piece in position before pressing the cup until it meets the yoke ear. Join the other bearing cup while checking if it moves effortlessly and adjust its position if necessary. Look for any movement obstacles when performing this step. Push down until you see the retainer groove and put on the bearing retainer pieces before pressing them both into position. Use a dead blow hammer to make the yoke moveable before putting the retainers in place and apply chassis grease to help the snap ring fit right.
• Universal Joints
  89059111
  Q: How to replace a universal joint on Chevrolet Express 2500?

  A:

  Before starting replacement work take the propeller shaft tubing out of any vise to prevent damage. Instead clamp one yoke and keep the shaft in a horizontal position. Tapping the yoke frees pressure from the Universal Joint retaining ring so you can remove it with pliers. Use the press to balance the propeller shaft while fitting the proper socket to separate the bearing from the opposite j-9522-3 (U-Joint Bearing Separator). Install the j-9522-3 to take out the universal bearing from the yoke as needed; place the j-9522-5 on top of the Universal Joint when the first tool fails to fully remove the bearing. Turn the propeller shaft again to separate the opposite Universal Joint through this same process. When the Slip Yoke shows damage experts will replace it at the same time as the new Universal Joint. First remove the propeller shaft Slip Yoke with its retaining ring. After that separate the universal bearing from the yoke with the j-9522-3 and j-9522-5 tools to finally extract the spider from the Slip Yoke. Thoroughly wash both pieces of the Slip Yoke and propeller shaft yoke. Place universal bearings into the propeller shaft yoke before installing the Universal Joint spider until it seats properly while pressing until it reaches yoke level. Set in the retaining ring for the second universal bearing and continue the same process for the remaining assembly part. Tap the yoke gently to fix any movement problems in the Universal Joint. Set up the rest of the universal bearings using electrical tape and add them to the vehicle during installation. Place the universal spider piece into the Slip Yoke then add universal bearings before pressing one spider to a complete seat. Push both bearing into the Slip Yoke until they rest evenly then install the retaining ring. Take the same steps for the opposite bearing. Place the Slip Yoke in the propeller shaft then put the universal spider onto the bearing axis. Press the bearing into the yoke fully and fit the retaining ring properly. Move the shaft while repeating both procedures to test if the Universal Joint operates without resistance and tap only when needed.