OEM Dodge Ram 3500 Van Universal Joint

Dodge Ram 3500 Van Universal Joint Parts and Q&A

• Universal Joints
  5014733AB
  Q: How to service and repair a propeller shaft equipped with a Universal Joint in the tube yoke on Dodge Ram 3500 Van?

  A:

  Removing the propeller shaft is the first step to fixing or repairing a shaft with a cardan joint in the tube yoke. Use a gentle tap with the drift to remove the snap ring outside the bearing cap and carefully take off the snap rings from the yoke on both sides. Clamp the bearing yoke in a vise or arbor press so that the socket beneath it has room for the cap, with the grease fitting if there is one, pointing toward the top. Further within the yoke, fit a socket with a smaller outer diameter onto the bearing cap and push down to pop off the lower bearing cap. If you can't remove the bearing cap by hand after pressing, hit the yoke ear close to where the cap is to help it out. First, flip the yoke upside down, straighten the cross in the hole and gently press the cross to remove the other bearing cap. Keep the cross or bearing cap correctly positioned during installation so you don't damage the sides of the yoke bore. Start assembly by inserting high-pressure grease of EP N.L.G.I. Grade 1 or 2 into the inside surfaces of the yoke bores. Take the cross and put it in the yoke, making the lube fitting aim up. Follow this by putting a bearing cap over the trunnion which you should align with the bore of the yoke so the needle bearings stay upright. Gently push the bearing cap down into the yoke bore until the snap ring is able to be installed inside it, then put the snap ring into place. Proceed with the bearing cap on the other side and if binding or stiff, give the yoke a few taps with a soft hammer to set the needle bearings. Afterward, add grease to the lube fitting, if you have it and secure the propeller shaft back in place.