OEM 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 Universal Joint

2000 Dodge Ram 1500 Universal Joint Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Service and Repair a Universal Joint in a Double Cardan Joint Assembly on 2000 Dodge Ram 1500?

  A: Any worn or leaking components in the double Cardan joint must be changed entirely as a group, not individually. Typically, the first action is to remove the propeller shaft. Softly strike the outside of the bearing cap assembly to loosen the snap ring and then remove every snap ring from the assembly. Put the joint in an arbor press or vise and place a socket that will receive the bearing cap below the yoke. Screw a socket on the inside of the larger bearing cap and grab one bearing cap on the exterior with vise jaws after only partially pressing it out from the yoke. Put the vise on the protruding bearing, tap the link yoke with a mallet and guide the drift to remove the bearing cap. Turn the bike over and take out the other bearing cap, then take out the cross centering kit assembly and spring. To finish disassembling, press the cap of the remaining bearing the other way out of the link yoke. As you put the yokes together, see that the marked alignment point on each yoke is opposite its match on the other yoke. Put a small amount of Extreme Pressure grease rated N.L.G.I. Grade 1 or 2 inside the yoke bore to help it go on more easily. After fit the cross into the propeller shaft yoke, cover the trunnion with a bearing cap and position it over the yoke bore so the needle bearings are upright. Pusher the bearing cap down into the yoke bore until the snap ring can go.. Turn over the propeller shaft yoke and install its bearing cap on the other trunnion and then add the snap ring. Put the link yoke on the next two trunnions and then push down both bearing caps, then add the snap rings before continuing. Fit the centering kit assembly into the link yoke, moving the spring to the right position. Fit one bearing cap on each trunnion protruding from the cross, with the link yoke bores on the trunnions and the bearing caps on the centering kit. Screw in the last bearing cap and slide the snap rings, applying the hammer to them to make them fit. To finish, flex the joint part way past the center and listen; it should snap both directions when assembled properly and you may add the propeller shaft.