INNER UNIVERSAL JOINTS

A universal joint is fitted at the inner end of the drive shaft on models with automatic transmission. The joint is similar to the type normally used on prop shafts, and the overhaul procedure is also similar. If wear has taken place in the joint bearings, a service kit containing a new journal spider, bearings, etc., is available. Overhaul 1. Remove the retaining circlip from each of the joint bearings with a pair of long nosed pliers and prise them out with a screwdriver. If a circlip cannot be removed easily, tap the end of the bearing race to relieve the pressure on the clip. 2. Hold the joint in one hand and support the underside of the yoke on the top of a vice. Tap the radius of the yoke lightly with a copper mallet until the bearing race emerges from the yoke ('A', ). 3. Turn the joint over and grip the bearing race in the vice. Tap the underside of the yoke until the bearing race is extracted ('B' in illustration). 4. Repeat this operation on the opposite bearing. 5. Support the two exposed bearing trunnions on the top of the vice, with wood or soft metal packings between the vice and the bearing trunnions. Tap the top lug of the flange yoke, as in Item 2 above, to extract the two remaining bearing races. 6. Withdraw the journal spider from the drive shaft yoke . 7. Check that the bearing apertures in the yoke journals are clean and undamaged. 8. Smear the inside of the new bearing races to hold the needle rollers in position. Also fill the bottom of each race to a depth of 1/8 in (3 mm) with grease. 9. Tap one of the new bearing races into position in the yoke journal. Insert the spider into the yoke and engage it into the bearing race. Repeat this operation on the opposite side of the yoke, holding the spider into the race as it is drifted into position to retain the needle rollers in position. 10. Engage the other joint journal over the spider and repeat the operation above. 11. Fit the bearing circlips, ensuring that they are firmly located in their grooves. 12. Finally, tap each of the yoke journals lightly with a wooden mallet to relieve the pressure of the bearing races on the ends of the journals, then check that the joint articulates freely without binding.