5. Press the caps fully into position by placing a small socket on one bearing cap. Tighten the vise until the cap is pushed in far enough to install the snap ring. With one snap ring in place, use the socket to force the other cap into position. Install its snap ring.

6. Repeat this procedure on the other universal joint, if needed.

After assembly, check the action of the U-joint. Swing it back and forth into various positions. The joint should move freely, without binding. Double- check that all snap rings have been installed properly. Once the U-joint has be checked and is working properly, reinstall the drive shaft back into the vehicle as follows:

1. Wipe off the outside slip yoke and place a small amount of grease on the internal splines. Align the marks and slide the yoke into the rear of the transmission.

2. Push the slip yoke all the way into the extension housing and position the rear U-joint at the differential.

3. Pull back on the drive shaft and center the rear universal properly. Check your rear alignment marks.

4. Install the U-bolts, bearing caps, or yoke bolts to secure the rear universal joint.

5. With the rear universal joint secured, lower the vehicle to the ground.

6. Test-drive the vehicle for proper operation. Check for unusual noises, vibration, and other abnormalities.

Constant Velocity Joint Service

Constant velocity joint service requires the disassemble of the joint. Refer to the service manual for the vehicle when servicing a CV joint. The manual will give special detailed directions that are required depending on the type of joint.

Once the CV joint is disassembled, obtain a CV joint repair kit (usually includes new joint components, grease, boot, and bootstraps). When the joint is being assembled, refer back to the service manual for detailed directions.

WARNING

Always use the recommended type of grease on a CV joint. The wrong type of grease will cause boot deterioration and joint failure. CV joint kits provide the correct type and amount of grease required.

After reassembling the CV joint, fit the boot over the joint. Make sure the boot ends fit into their grooves. Install the bootstraps. Do not overtighten the straps, as they may cut the boot or break.

Center Support Bearing Service

The center support bearing is normally prelubricated and sealed at the factory. However, some support bearings have lubrication fittings and require lubrication at regular intervals. Even though lubrication extends the useful life of the bearing, they eventually wear out. The first indication of support bearing failure is excessive chassis vibration at low speed. This is caused by the bearing turning with the drive shaft in the rubber support.

When a faulty bearing is suspected, it should be inspected for wear and damage. If the rubber support shows any evidence ofhardening, cracking, or tearing, it should be replaced.

Should you encounter a faulty support bearing, replacement procedures are usually limited to separating the drive shafts, unbolting the bearing support from the frame or cross member, and sliding the bearing and support assembly from the shaft.

If only the bearing is available from the parts room, disassemble the unit by gently prying the bearing out of the rubber support. Next, remove the dust shield from the bearing. All parts that are to be reused should be cleaned. When the bearing is being replaced, some manufacturers recommend that waterproof grease be placed on both sides of the bearing, not for a lubricant but to exclude water and dust from the bearing. Install the dust shield and press the new bearing into the support. Before securing the bearing support to the frame or cross member, check the service manual to determine if shims are required for alignment purposes. When reassembling support bearings, you should exercise care to ensure that proper alignment of the drive line is maintained. This will prevent abnormal wear of the universal joints.

REVIEW 1 QUESTIONS

Q1. What are the four functions of a drive line assembly?