OEM Dodge Ram 1500 Van Universal Joint

Dodge Ram 1500 Van Universal Joint Parts and Q&A

• Universal Joints
  5014733AB
  Q: How to service and repair a single cardan universal joint on Dodge Ram 1500 Van?

  A:

  Remove the propeller shaft before dealing with a single cardan universal joint. Firmly tap the bearing cap assembly from its edge to free the snap ring, after which you should take out the snap rings from each side of the yoke. Place the yoke in either an arbor press or a vise, choosing a socket that fits the bearing cap you place below the yoke so that the grease fitting is pointing upward. Position a socket with a small internal diameter over the upper bearing cap and press the caps together, so the upper bearing cap presses the yoke and releases the lower bearing cap. Should the cap not come out after you press it with your hand, tap on the yoke ear close to the bearing cap to release it. Simply turn the yoke upside down, put the cross through the open hole and press on the cross's end gently to remove the opposite bearing cap. Make sure the cross or bearing cap is level during installation, so you don't accidentally score the walls of the yoke bore. Apply Extreme Pressure (EP) N.L.G.I. Grade 1 or 2 grease inside the yoke bores before assembly. Fit the trunnion through the cross, with its lube fitting pointing upward and put a bearing cap on, then set it above the yoke bore to keep the needle bearings upright. Place the bearing cap into the yoke bore, so that you can slide a snap ring onto it and then install the snap ring. Do the same thing for the cap on the opposite side and if the joint feels stiff or bound, gently hit the yoke with a soft hammer to push the needle bearings in. Once finished, coat the lube fitting in grease, if it is included and set the propeller shaft back into place.