Help with Installing Universal Joints.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Beacon Falls, CT
Help with Installing Universal Joints.
I have never installed one before, but I took it off pretty easily with a Tiger Tool Universal joint remover. Now I am installing the new universal joint with an OTC C-Clamp. The problem is I can't get both sides to line up with the inner edge of the circlip grove
.
When I push one cup to the inner edge of the circlip groove the other cup is pushed an equal amount in the same direction and not lining up. I go back and forth trying to move each cup but end up with the same results.
What did I do wrong? I absolutely know these are the right universal joints and I'm installing the universal joint on the yoke coming out of the transfer case.
Is it possible that one of the roller bearings is lying on the bottom of the cup and preventing the proper alignment?
Thanks,
Larry
.
When I push one cup to the inner edge of the circlip groove the other cup is pushed an equal amount in the same direction and not lining up. I go back and forth trying to move each cup but end up with the same results.
What did I do wrong? I absolutely know these are the right universal joints and I'm installing the universal joint on the yoke coming out of the transfer case.
Is it possible that one of the roller bearings is lying on the bottom of the cup and preventing the proper alignment?
Thanks,
Larry
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Absolutely. Not only possible, but probable. They can be sneaky, even when you think you were as careful as can be, sometimes one of them will fall over at the last minute and get trapped. It'll space your cap out JUST a touch too much to get the clip in. Pull them back out and check your needle bearings, I'd bet you'll find one.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Nixa
That would be my guess. I always put some gease on a finger and wipe around the inside of the cup to help hold the bearings in place, and you'll feel if any have fallen out and laying on the bottom.
I also put the cross in place and tap one cap in place and put the clip in place then put the other cap in place with either the c clamp or tap it in place with a hammer and then put the other clip in place.
Then you can install the drive shaft and fill the u joint with grease.
I also put the cross in place and tap one cap in place and put the clip in place then put the other cap in place with either the c clamp or tap it in place with a hammer and then put the other clip in place.
Then you can install the drive shaft and fill the u joint with grease.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Beacon Falls, CT
The Roller Bearings Were Broken.
That would be my guess. I always put some gease on a finger and wipe around the inside of the cup to help hold the bearings in place, and you'll feel if any have fallen out and laying on the bottom.
I also put the cross in place and tap one cap in place and put the clip in place then put the other cap in place with either the c clamp or tap it in place with a hammer and then put the other clip in place.
Then you can install the drive shaft and fill the u joint with grease.
I also put the cross in place and tap one cap in place and put the clip in place then put the other cap in place with either the c clamp or tap it in place with a hammer and then put the other clip in place.
Then you can install the drive shaft and fill the u joint with grease.
Question: I have another universal joint, can I take off one of the cup and bearings and use those ?
Larry
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As mentioned above, you might find it helpful to take a small dab of fresh grease on your finger and spread it around inside the cap before installation. This will help to hold the needle bearings in place while you're lining up the caps.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Beacon Falls, CT
Is it the same part number? If so, absolutely. If not, you'll want to measure the cap and one of the needle bearings to ensure they are the exact same diameter and height. If that checks out, you're good to go.
As mentioned above, you might find it helpful to take a small dab of fresh grease on your finger and spread it around inside the cap before installation. This will help to hold the needle bearings in place while you're lining up the caps.
As mentioned above, you might find it helpful to take a small dab of fresh grease on your finger and spread it around inside the cap before installation. This will help to hold the needle bearings in place while you're lining up the caps.
Thanks,
Larry
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Senior User
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From: Beacon Falls, CT
Using a the Cup Part from Same Universal Joint.
Sorry, I must have mis-read your question. You were more asking whether or not it would be safe to put a fresh cap over the original leg in case it could have been damaged. As you've already discovered, it likely didn't suffer any damage from trapping the needle under it. So long as there isn't any dirt / sand or any nicks on the surface, you're good to go.
Larry
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