Universal joints — replacement Ford F150
Single-cardan U-joints
Note: A press or large vise will be required for this procedure. It may be advisable to take the driveshaft to a local dealer service department, service station or machine shop where the universal joints can be replaced for you, normally at a reasonable charge.
1. Remove the driveshaft as outlined in Driveshaft(s) – removal and installation.
A pair of needle-nose pliers can be used to remove the universal joint snap-rings
2. Use a small pair of pliers to remove the snap-rings from the spider.
3. Supporting the driveshaft, place it in position on a workbench equipped with a vise.
To press the universal joint out of the driveshaft yoke, set it up in a vise with the small socket pushing the joint and bearing cap into the large socket
4. Place a piece of pipe or a large socket, having an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the bearing caps, over one of the bearing caps. Position a socket with an outside diameter slightly smaller than that of the opposite bearing cap against the cap (see illustration) and use the vise or press to force the bearing cap out (inside the pipe or large socket). Use the vise or large pliers to work the bearing cap the rest of the way out.
5. Transfer the sockets to the other side and press the opposite bearing cap out in the same manner.
6. Pack the new universal joint bearings with grease. Ordinarily, specific instructions for lubrication will be included with the universal joint servicing kit and should be followed carefully.
7. Position the spider in the yoke and partially install one bearing cap in the yoke.
8. Start the spider into the bearing cap and then partially install the other cap. Align the spider and press the bearing caps into position, being careful not to damage the dust seals.
9. Install the snap-rings. If difficulty is encountered in seating the snap-rings, strike the driveshaft yoke sharply with a hammer. This will spring the yoke ears slightly and allow the snap-rings to seat in the groove.
10. Install the grease fitting and fill the joint with grease. Be careful not to overfill the joint, as this could blow out the grease seals.
11. Install the driveshaft (see Driveshaft(s) – removal and installation).
Double-cardan U-joints
12. Use the above procedure, but note that it will have to be repeated because the doublecardan joint is made up of two single-cardan joints. Also pay attention to how the spring, centering ball and bearing are arranged.
Note: Some of the following conditions cannot be fixed without highly specialized tools and expertise. Such problems must be referred to a transmission repair shop or a dealer service department.