4A-2 Propeller Shaft; 17. Universal Joint - GMC G Service Manual

4A-2 PROPELLER SHAFT

Universal joints are designed to handle the effects of
various loadings and axle windup during acceleration.
Within the designed angle variations the universal joint will
operate efficiently and safely. When the design angle is
changed or exceeded the operational life of the joint may
decrease.
The bearings used in universal joints are the needle
roller type. The needle rollers are held in place on the trun­
nions by round bearing cups. The bearing cups are held in
the yokes by either snap rings or injected plastic, depend­
ing on the manufacturer of the joint.
A. Correct Phasing - Yoke Lugs (Ears) and Alignm ent Marks Aligned
B. Incorrect Phasing - Yoke Lugs (Ears) and Alignment Marks not Aligned
1. Hanger Assembly and Crossmember
2. Center Bearing Support
3. Front Propeller Shaft
4. Rear Propeller Shaft
5. Bolt
Figure 1 — Propeller Shaft Assembly; In Phase
Figure 2 — Center Bearing and Propeller Shaft Detail
When a driveline has a large or deep angle a constant
velocity joint is used. Essentially, the constant velocity joint
is made of two universal joints coupled by a yoke and
phased for constant velocity. A centering ball socket
between the joints keeps a relative position between the
two joints. This centering device causes each of the two
units to operate through one half of the complete angle
between the propeller shaft and the differential carrier (fig­
ure 4). The ball socket on a constant velocity universal joint
requires periodic lubrication through the fitting provided.
B
B-06716
6. Retainer
7. Pinion Flange
8. Universal Joint
Assembly
9. Splined Shaft
10. Cap
11. Washer
12. Seal (Cork)
13. Nut
14. Transmission Yoke
15. Washer
16. Bolt

17. Universal Joint

18. Slip Yoke
L00776