OEM 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Universal Joint

2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Universal Joint Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Maintain and Repair a Propeller Shaft with a Universal Joint on 2002 Dodge Ram 1500?

  A: Start by detaching the propeller shaft to work on a single cardan universal joint. Use a light hammer to gently beat the cap assembly which helps the snap ring come off; then remove the snap rings from the entire yoke. Wrap the yoke with a socket that fits over the bearing cover from the press, placing the socket so the bearing sits just under the arm. Screw a smaller diameter socket onto the upper cap and work it through the yoke to remove the lower bearing cap. If removing the bearing cap by hand doesn't work, use a hammer to tap the yoke ear to remove it. When removing the opposite bearing cap, set the yoke flat, straighten the cross in the empty hole and slowly press on the end of the cross until you can pull off the bearing cap. While you are installing, make sure your cross or bearing cap are straight so the yoke bore isn't damaged. Put Extreme Pressure (EP) N.L.G.I. Grade 1 or 2 grease inside the yoke bores when assembling. Position the lube (if the cross has it) so the bearing cap over the trunnion points up, then prepare the cross cap and trunnion so the needle bearings face up and align them with the yoke bore. Push the bearing cap into the yoke bore to a point where you can slide on a snap ring and then fit the snap ring on. Carry out the same steps for the other end of the drive train and if the joint feels like it's not moving freely, hit the yoke with a soft hammer to settle the needle bearings. After that, lubricate the propeller shaft lube fitting and place the shaft back inside the boat.