OEM 2001 Jeep Wrangler Universal Joint

2001 Jeep Wrangler Universal Joint Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Maintain a Universal Joint in a Double Cardan System on 2001 Jeep Wrangler?

  A: Individual service for a Double Cardan universal joint is not possible. Removal of the propeller shaft should be the first step. With a gentle drift, strike the ring of the bearing cap aiming at the edges to pop the ring and then take out all nearby snap rings. Insert the bearing cap-with the nut side facing out-into a socket that can accommodate it, placed beneath the link yoke in an arbor press or vise. Fit a socket that fits inside the bearing cap to the roller assembly on the yoke, then squeeze the inner bearing cap from one side of the link yoke just enough to insert the vise jaws and remove the bolts or grease fittings that may be in the way. Put the bearing with the vise jaws. Next, tap the shaft with the mallet and drift it to take out the cap. Press up the opposite side and repeat the tapping sequence which should allow you to take out the other bearing cap, cross centering kit and spring. Use the plastic hammer to press the other bearing caps out the opposite end of the link yoke. When assembling, make sure the link yoke and propeller shaft yoke are aligned by their alignment marks. Apply a little Grade 1 or 2 grease that has been worked to the max into the yoke bores to make the drive shaft easier to install. After putting a cross into the propeller shaft yoke, cover the trunnion with a bearing cap and line them both up so that the needle bearings are standing upright. Install the bearing cap into the yoke bore, going far enough so you can insert the snap ring afterwards. Flip the yoke that connects the propeller shaft and fit the bearing cap to the other trunnion; then add another snap ring. Put the remaining two trunnions through the link yoke and insert both bearing caps. Once done, install snap rings. Insert the centering kit assembly into the link yoke, making certain the spring is set correctly. Spray the bearing caps with oil, set one on each end of the cross's remaining trunnions, insert the open trunnions into the link yoke bores and put the bearing caps into the centering kit. Install bearing caps into the remaining positions and snap rings where needed, tapping each snap ring to make it sit correctly in the groove. Bend the leg in any direction far from the middle; it should make a 'snapping' sound in every direction when truly assembled. Now, put in the propeller shaft.