Tool Required

J 45270  Universal Joint Remover/Installer. See Special Tools .

Fig 1: Universal Joint Caps & Retaining Clips
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NOTE: Never clamp propeller shaft tubing in a vise. Clamping propeller shaft tubing in a vise could dent or deform the tube, causing an imbalance or unsafe condition. Always clamp on one end of the yokes and support the shaft horizontally.
IMPORTANT: Prior to disassembly, mark the positions of the driveshaft components relative to the driveshaft tube. All components must be reassembled in the same relationship to maintain proper balance.
1. Remove the propeller shaft.
2. Remove the snap rings.
   1. Pinch the ends of the snap ring together with a pair of pliers.
   2. If a snap ring does not readily snap out of the groove in the yoke, tap the end of the bearing cup lightly in order to relieve pressure from ring.
Fig 2: Removing Universal Joint Caps Using J45270
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. Use J 45270  to remove the U-joint caps. See Special Tools .
Fig 3: Tapping Upwards On Propeller Shaft Yoke With Hammer
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. If the bearing cup is not completely removed (2), place the exposed portion of the bearing cap into a soft-jaw vise. Tap upwards on the propeller shaft yoke with a hammer until the bearing cap is free of the propeller shaft yoke.
5. Rotate the propeller shaft and press the opposite bearing cup out of the yoke.
Fig 4: Removing Cross From Yoke
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Remove the cross from the yoke.
7. Remove the remaining universal joint parts from the yoke.
8. Inspect the retaining ring grooves for the following:
   • Dirt
   • Corrosion
   • Pieces of the old ring
9. Inspect the bearing cup bores for burns or imperfections.
IMPORTANT: Corrosion or dirt may prevent bearing cup installation and may prohibit the proper seating of the bearing retainers.
10. Clean the retaining ring grooves.