Driveshaft Universal Joint - Single Cardan, Slip Yoke: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford RV Cutaway, 2003 Ford Econoline, 2003 Ford E550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2003 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

INITIAL DISASSEMBLY

CAUTION: Do not, under any circumstance, clamp the shaft in the jaws of a vise or similar holding fixture. Denting or localizing fracture can result, causing shaft failure during vehicle operation.

Place the shaft on a suitable workbench. Do not damage the tube.

NOTE: If components are not marked and installed incorrectly, driveline imbalance can occur.

Fig 1: Identifying Index-Mark On Shaft Components

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Index-mark the shaft components.
Remove and discard all four of the snap rings.

Fig 2: Removing Snap Rings
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Clamp the special tool in a vise.

Fig 3: Clamping Special Tool In Vise
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

BEARING CUP REMOVAL

NOTE: If necessary, use a pair of pliers to remove a bearing cup that fails to press out all the way.

Fig 4: Removing Bearing Cups And Driveshaft Slip-Yoke

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the bearing cups and the driveshaft slip-yoke.
1. Position the driveshaft slip-yoke in the special tool.
2. Press out a bearing cup.
3. Rotate the driveshaft slip-yoke 180 degrees.
4. Press on the spider to remove the remaining bearing cup.
5. Remove the driveshaft slip-yoke.
FINAL DISASSEMBLY
Repeat Bearing cup removal in this procedure to remove the remaining bearing cups and the spider from the shaft.

Fig 5: Removing Remaining Bearing Cups And Spider From Shaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Clean the yoke area at the end of the shaft.