Universal Joint Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Cadillac ATS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The universal joint connects the two-piece propeller shaft. The universal consist of 4 caps with needle bearings and grease seals mounted on the trunnions of a cross or spider. These bearings and caps are greased at the factory and no periodic maintenance is required. The bearings and caps are pressed into the yokes and staked in place. Universal joints are designed to handle the effects of various loads and rear axle windup conditions during acceleration and braking. The universal joint operates efficiently and safely within the designed angle variations. When the design angles are exceeded, the operational life of the joint decreases.