OEM GMC Savana 1500 Universal Joint

GMC Savana 1500 Universal Joint Parts and Q&A

• Universal Joints
  89059111
  Q: What tools are needed to service and repair the universal joint with a nylon injected ring on GMC Savana 1500?

  A:

  Service and replace the nylon injected ring of a universal joint using a combination of U Joint Bearing Separator (J9522-3) and U Joint Bearing Spacer Remover (J9522-5). Place the propeller shaft on a press in a flat position while avoiding clamp placement on the tubing to protect it from harm. Draw orientation marks on the shaft ends. Set the universal joint at the lower yoke ear into the 30 mm (1.118 inch) socket first. The U Joint Bearing Separator helps shear the plastic retaining ring on the bearing cup then pushes the lower bearing cup out from the yoke ear. You can push the bearing cup all the way out using the U Joint Bearing Spacer Remover tool (J9522-5) when the plastic bearing cup does not depart readily. Turn the propeller shaft to push out the opposite bearing cup from the yoke housing and take out the cross and all universal joint pieces. Check the grooves of both retaining rings and the bores of each bearing cup for damage before installing new elements. Remove any pieces of sheared plastic that could block the parts from the proper fit. Place one bearing cup into the yoke opening before fitting the cross over the trunnion to let it seat properly. Press equally on the bearing cup to push it against the yoke ear. Repeat this step on the opposite side to align trunnion pins as designed. Check if bearing movement is restricted then examine the needle bearings for improper positioning. Press the yoke butts until the bearing retainer groove leaves space on the surface. Next place both retainers and finish mounting with a dead blow hammer where needed. Use chassis grease as needed to lubricate the snap ring before placing it into the bearing cup groove.
• Universal Joints
  23104840
  Q: How to replace a universal joint on GMC Savana 1500?

  A:

  Secure the propeller shaft horizontally through yoke clamping to prevent damage to the slip joint sealing surface. Gently hitting the yoke will lower stress on the Universal Joint retaining ring. Placing pliers on the ring will let you remove it. Help by setting the propeller shaft level in the press and insert the correct size socket to support the Universal Joint at the opposite side of the j-9522-3 (U-Joint Bearing Separator). Use the j-9522-3 (Separator) and a press unite to extract the universal bearing from the yoke. Apply both j-9522-3 and j-9522-5 tool attachments to the Universal Joint before using the press to extract the bearing when the j-9522-5 does not fully eliminate the bearing. Turn the propeller shaft once while redoing this procedure for the second Universal Joint. When the Slip Yoke exhibits damage both components require simultaneous replacement. You need to take out the Slip Yoke from the propeller shaft and the retaining ring from the attached drive. Place the j-9532-3 separator to pull universal bearings from the yoke through use of the j-9532-5 remover and press tool in combination. Clean both Slip Yoke and propeller shaft yoke after removing the spider part. Set each universal bearing into the yoke opening on propeller shaft then attach the Universal Joint spider till it seats before pressing until level with the yoke surface. Place the retaining ring into the yoke then turn the propeller shaft one more time to install the other bearing. Gently tap the yoke to position the Universal Joint since it needs to move without resistance. Place electrical tape over the remaining two universal bearings while you prepare the installation steps. Set the universal spider at the Slip Yoke location and place in the universal bearings. Push down one spider completely and push all bearings firmly into place until they rest at the same level. Put the retaining ring into the Slip Yoke and loop it while doing the same steps on the second bearing. After fixing the Slip Yoke into the propeller shaft you must place the universal spider into the bearing while keeping it centered then hit the bearing into the yoke and put the retaining ring in place. Turn the propeller shaft while repeating this step for the second bearing unit by gently tapping if needed.