U-Joint Angles, Phasing & Drive Shaft Balance - Monaco Cayman 2005 Owner's Manual

Correct U-joint working angles, U-joint phasing, and drive shaft balance is vital to maintaining a quiet-
running drivetrain and long life of drivetrain components (including drive shaft components).
When in phase, the slip yoke lugs (ears) and tube yoke lugs (ears) are in line. Normally this is the ideal
condition and gives the smoothest running shaft. There may be an alignment arrow stamped on the slip
yoke and on the tube shaft to assure proper phasing when assembling these components. If there are no
alignment marks, they should be added before disassembly of the shaft to assure proper reassembly.
Phasing is relatively simple on a two-joint set. Be sure that the slip yoke lugs and the tube yoke lugs are
in line.
The U-Joint working angle is the angle formed by the intersection of the drive shaft centerline and the
extended centerline of the shaft of any component to which the U-joint connects. Because the double oscil-
lating motion of a U-joint that connects angled shafts causes a fluctuating speed difference between the
shafts, the effect created by the U-joint at one end of the shaft must cancel the effect created by the U-
joint at the other end. This is done by making U-joint working angles at both ends of the drive shaft
approximately equal, with the U-joints in phase. If the yoke lugs at both ends of the shaft are lying in
the same plane (a plane which bi-sects the shaft lengthwise), the U-joints will be in phase.
Any condition which allows excessive movement
of a drive shaft will cause imbalance: loose end yoke
nuts, loose U-joint bearing cap retaining capscrews,
worn U-joint trunnions, bearings and worn slip-joint
splines.
Among the most common causes of U-joint and
slip joint damage is lack of lubrication. To keep the
motorhome operating smoothly and economically, the
drive shaft must be carefully checked and lubricated at
regular intervals.
Drive Shaft
Cayman 2005
U-Joint Angles, Phasing & Drive Shaft Balance
Slip Yoke
Chassis Information --- Section 10
Tube Yoke
090337
090336
343