Dodge R1500 1999 Service Manual page 466

distorting yoke, DO NOT overtighten vise jaws.
Disassembly
1) Clamp front drive shaft in a soft-jaw vise. If required,
disassemble "U" joint from yoke to access yoke-to-drive shaft
retaining bolt. Scribe mark yoke or slip joint to drive shaft for
reassembly reference. Slide yoke or slip joint off shaft splines.
2) Remove and retain center bearing support bracket and
retainer. (Service replacement assembly may not come with these items.
) Remove rubber insulator from bearing housing. See Fig. 10.
3) Bend slinger away from center bearing to provide clearance
for bearing puller. Using bearing puller, remove center bearing from
drive shaft. On some applications, outer bearing cover/cage and balls
must be removed to attach puller to bearing race.
Reassembly & Installation
Install NEW slinger to shaft. Install/press bearing onto
shaft using appropriate tool or tube until bearing is seated to shaft
shoulder. To complete installation, reverse disassembly and removal
procedures. Ensure support bracket angle adjustment shims are
reinstalled (if removed).
OVERHAUL
NOTE: Manufacturer recommends replacing "U" joint(s) whenever "U"
joint is disassembled from yoke. ALWAYS replace complete "U"
joint whenever extreme external lubrication leakage or
bearing cap damage exists.
Before disassembly, mark flange/yoke to drive shaft for
reassembly reference, and remove "U" joint lube fitting(s). If joints
are rusted or corroded, apply penetrating oil before pressing bearing
caps out of yoke or off "U" joint trunnion pin.
SINGLE CARDAN "U" JOINTS
Other than adding grease, "U" joint assembly items are not
individually serviceable or repairable. If needle bearings, seals,
spider, or bearing caps are found to be defective, damaged or
excessively worn, complete "U" joint must be replaced.
NOTE: Saturate bearing caps and yokes with penetrating oil before
removal.
Removal
Raise and support vehicle. Remove drive shaft. Remove inner
or outer type bearing cap retainer clips. See Fig. 11. Press bearing
caps from yokes. Remove bearings, seals and spider from yoke bore, and
discard.
Cleaning
Clean yoke bores using solvent and wire brush or crocus
cloth. Remove rust, corrosion and foreign matter from yoke bores.
Installation
1) Apply multipurpose lubricant (NLGI grade 2 EP) to yoke
bores and into needle bearings of each bearing cap. Position spider in
yoke bores.
2) Install seals onto spider trunnions or bearing caps.
Lightly tap bearing caps into yoke bore far enough to retain spider in
place.