Chrysler RAM TRUCK 2500 1994 Service Manual page 83

2 - 26 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE
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(3) Install the hub bearing to knuckle bolts and
tighten to 170 N-m (125 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install the axle washer and nut, tighten nut to
237 N-m (175 ft. lbs.) torque. Align nut to next cotter
pin hole and install new cotter pin.
(5) Install the brake components, refer to Group 5,
Brakes.
(6) Install the wheel and tire assembly.
(7) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
AXLE SHAFT— CARDAN U-JOINT
DISASSEMBLY
Single cardan U-joints are not serviceable. I f defec­
tive, they must be replaced as a unit. I f the bearings,
seals, spider or bearing caps are damaged or worn,
replace the complete U-joint.
CAUTION: Clamp only the forged portion of the
yoke in the vise. Also, to avoid distorting the yoke,
do not over tighten the vise jaws.
(1) Remove the bearing cap retaining snap rings
(Fig. 7).
BEARING
SNAP CAP
RINGS
J8902-15
Fig. 7 Axle Shaft Outer U-Joint
It can be helpful to saturate the bearing caps
with penetrating oil prior to removal.
(2) Locate a socket that is larger i n diameter than
the bearing cap. Place the socket (receiver) against
the yoke and around the perimeter of the bearing cap
to be removed. Locate a socket that is smaller i n di­
ameter than the bearing cap. Place the socket (driv­
er) against the opposite bearing cap. Position the
yoke with the sockets i n a vise (Fig. 8).
(3) Compress the vise jaws to force the bearing cap
into the larger socket (receiver).
LARGE-
DIAMETER
SOCKET
WRENCH
J8902-16
Fig. 8 Yoke Bearing Cap Removal
(4) Release the vise jaws. Remove the sockets and
bearing cap that was partially forced out of the yoke.
(5) Repeat the above procedure for the remaining
bearing cap.
(6) Remove the remaining bearing cap, bearings,
seals and spider from the propeller shaft yoke.
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
(1) Clean all the U-joint yoke bores with cleaning
solvent and a wire brush. Ensure that all the rust
and foreign matter are removed from the bores.
(2) Inspect the yokes for distortion, cracks and
worn bearing cap bores.
(3) Replace the complete U-joint i f any of the com­
ponents are defective.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Pack the bearing caps 1/3 full of wheel bearing
lubricant. Apply extreme pressure (EP), lithium-base
lubricant to aid i n installation.
(2) Position the spider i n the yoke. Insert the seals
and bearings. Tap the bearing caps into the yoke
bores far enough to hold the spider i n position.
(3) Place the socket (driver) against one bearing
cap. Position the yoke with the socket wrench i n a
vise.
(4) Compress the vise to force the bearing caps into
the yoke. Force the caps enough to install the retain­
ing clips.
(5) Install the bearing cap retaining clips.
(6) Install the axle shaft, refer to Hub Bearing and
Axle Shaft installation.