Universal Joint: Removal & Installation; External Snap Ring - Chevrolet Trailblazer Service Manual

Universal Joint
Removal & Installation

External Snap Ring

To Remove:
1. Lay the propeller shaft on table level with the press table.
2. Mark the transmission and rear axle ends of the propeller shaft.
3. Remove the snap rings by using a pair of pliers to squeeze the ends together.
4. If necessary, relieve the ring pressure by lightly tapping the end of the cup.
5. Set the lower ear of the yoke on a 1-1/8 in (30 mm) hex head socket or a 1-1/16 in
(27 mm) socket.
6. Use a J9522-3 universal joint bearing separator on the open horizontal bearing
cups to press the lower bearing cup out of the yoke ear.
7. If necessary, place a J 9522-5 universal joint bearing spacer remover between the
seal and the lower bearing cup and continue to press.
8. Rotate the propeller shaft and press the opposite bearing cup out of the yoke.
9. If replacing the front universal joint, remove the slip yoke bearing cups in the same
way.
10. Check the retaining ring grooves for dirt, corrosion, or pieces of the old ring.
11. Check the bearing cup bores for burrs or imperfections.
12. Clean the retaining ring grooves.
To Install:
1. Remove the bearing cups from the universal joint.
2. Install the bottom bearing cup partially into the yoke.
3. Install the cross into the yoke with the trunnion seated freely in the bearing cup.
4. Press the bearing cup into the yoke until the cup is even with the yoke ear.
5. Install the top bearing cup partially into the yoke ear.
6. Make sure that the trunnions start straight into both bearing cups.
7. Press the bearing cup into the yoke until the cup is even with the yoke ear. Make
sure the cross moves freely in the bearing cups.
8. Press the bearing cup further into the yoke. Make sure the retainer groove is
visible.
9. Install the bearing retainer into the retainer groove.
10. Press the other bearing cup into the yoke until the retainer groove is visible.
11. Install the other bearing retainer into the retainer groove.
12. If necessary, spring the yoke with a firm blow with a dead blow hammer to help
seat the retainer.
13. Lubricate the snap rings with chassis grease and insert the rings into the bearing
cup groove.