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Truck Mechanic Basics

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Uni Joint and Centre Bearing Replacement

Transcript
First step- remove universal joint to access the yoke
The basic principle for removing a uni joint is to use the cross shaft to hit out the cap, because there isn't direct access to hit the cross shaft, you hit it via hitting the yoke
If you wanted to hit the back cap you would hit the yoke here
If you wanted to remove the top cap you would hit the yoke here
uni joint replacement
Before getting started mark the yoke, caps and cross shaft. These are wearing parts and have worn together, they should be kept together

replacing uni joint
Only hit the solid parts of the driveshaft

centre bearing replacement
To get the uni in the correct position you have to jack up a wheel and turn the driveshaft
A trick that I use for stubborn uni joints is to place a bottle jack at the place you would usually hit with the hammer

spicer centre bearing replacement
Uni joint removed this gives you access to the yoke
Using a 3/4 rattle gun remove the nut
The yoke does need to be lined up so mark the spline before removal

centre bearing yoke
You must keep the driveshafts in phase- in alignment
Remove the washer then remove the yoke. You may have to use a puller to remove the yoke
Unbolt and remove the centre bearing
Once again you may have to use a puller. I have a post centre bearing removal with puller  that shows this
Fit new centre bearing and yoke, sometimes you need to tap them on with a hammer and punch

spicer centre bearing
Fit a new yoke nut, this one comes with loctite already on it
3/4 rattle gun to do it up
You might have to put the gearbox in gear to stop the driveshaft turning
Torque to spec
Bolt centre bearing in place, the centre bearing is using nyloc nuts
Nyloc nuts should technically only be used once
Make sure centre bearing is sitting square, it is on slotted holes so get it square to the driveshaft

In preperation for fitting uni joints clean holes were caps are going to be bolted into, clean the caps themselves.
I use a piece of emery paper.
With a clean piece of rag clean out any dirt inside the caps and also clean the dirt off the leading edge where the seal sits.
centre bearing replacement
Find two bolts that are long enough that have the same thread as uni caps bolts, cut the head off the bolts to make guide studs. This will make fitting the caps a lot easier.
Lift driveshaft into place, you will have to tilt uni joint and turn driveshaft to get in place.
Fit guide studs, put a little extra grease in cap to help stop the rollers falling out
Push the uni joint cross shaft so it sits up inside the cap as you are pushing the cap into the yoke, wiggle driveshaft up and down, back and forward this holds the rollers in place.
By having the crosshaft inside the cap this prevents the rollers from falling down when your tapping or pushing
uni joint replacement
The reason the guide studs work so well is
1. it lines up cap so it goes in square
2. lines your bolt holes up so when your cap is all the way home your bolts will screw straight in
Fit uni cap bolts
You should only use these bolts once. replace these bolts new everytime you remove them make sure you torque these bolts
You may have to cage the brake booster to be able to turn the wheel and get the driveshaft in place
Finally- grease  the uni joint, make sure grease comes out all four caps. also grease slip yoke
I have a post Grease Uni Joint that shows you how to do this properly
Lastly: What not to do- don't forgot to uncage the brakes

Torque Specs

http://media.spicerparts.com/cfs/files/media/dvraLMH8n22poPmoR/trsm1200_Warnings.pdf

http://media.spicerparts.com/cfs/files/media/pTNnN3FF6D9MF7mB9/1_Safety.pdf

https://www.meritor.com/productsandservices/southamerica/sa_customerservice/Eixos_cardan_ENG_96147.pdf

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