Universal Joints
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The U-joints allow the speeding up and slowing down of the driveshaft as the angularity of the driveshaft changes.
The center and rear joints are:
- a lubed-for-life design that requires no periodic lubrication.
- equipped with nylon thrust washers, located at the base of each bearing cup, which control end play, position the needle bearings and improve grease movement.
- staked in place U-joints are not serviced individually. If worn or damaged, install a new driveshaft assembly.
- snap ring type U-joints can be replaced if worn or damaged.