OEM 2001 Jeep Cherokee Universal Joint

2001 Jeep Cherokee Universal Joint Parts and Q&A

• Q: How Are Universal Joints Serviced and Assembled in Double Cardan Systems on 2001 Jeep Cherokee?

  A: You can't fix a worn or leaking double Cardan universal joint by itself; you have to replace the whole assembly. The first thing to do is remove the propeller shaft. Tap softly along the outside of the bearing cap assembly to weaken the snap rings and then take all the bearing cap snap rings out. Set the joint in place by using a vise or arbor press with a socket wider than the cap beneath the yoke. Attach a socket with a smaller outer diameter to the upper bearing cap and get one bearing cap started from the outer edge of the yoke by pushing it down slightly; while you do, take out any grease fittings in the way. Using the vise to hold the protruding bearing, hit the link yoke with a mallet and drift to remove the bearing cap. Turn over the assembly and repeat these steps to both press and tap the other bearing cap which will let you remove the cross centering kit assembly and spring. Pull the other set of bearing caps away from the link yoke to totally disassemble it. Before joining, line up the aligned markings on the link yoke with the marked spots on the propeller shaft yoke. Use EP N.L.G.I. Grade 1 or 2 grease inside the yoke bores to help set the yoke sleeves. After putting a cross into the propeller shaft yoke, place a bearing cap over the trunnion and guide it upwards with the nail bearings still upright. Place a snap ring on the bearing shaft, then place the yoke bore over the shaft until you hear the snap ring snap in place. Turn the propeller shaft yoke over and set the bearing cap onto the opposite trunnion with another snap ring installed. Add the link yoke to the other two trunnions and push each bearing cap down, followed by snapping the rings on. Secure the spring into place within the yoke using the centering kit assembly inside the link. Set two bearing caps on the other ends of the trunnions, put the open trunnions into the yoke bore and fit the bearing caps into the centering kit. Install the final two caps and tap the snap rings into the grooves all around them. Flex the joint in such a way that it travels both past and beyond the middle. A proper assembly will allow the joint to do this in both directions. Lastly, put in the propeller shaft.