GM 91173316
Universal Joints

You must first take out the propeller shaft from the vehicle and remove the two snap rings from the pinion flange yoke. Use GM P/N 1052864 moisture displacing lubricant to coat the joint bearing caps on the outside of the pinion flange yoke. We secure the pinion flange yoke between an 18 mm tool in a soft-jaw vise and change to a 24 mm tool. Tightening until the bearing cap is exposed at 3-4 mm (0.12 - 0.16 inch). Put the exposed bearing cap in the vise jaws and tap upward with a hammer to liberate it. Apply this procedure to disassemble both bearing caps. Take out the yoke from the spider then pull off both snap rings on the propeller shaft yoke. Put the propeller shaft yoke in a soft-jaw vise using an 18 mm socket and a 24 mm socket and expose the bearing cap 0.12 to 0.16 inch (3 to 4 mm) before removing it as previously done. Check the propeller shaft yoke and pinion flange yoke for bending, cracking, and other faults while performing necessary replacements. When you identify damaged or misshapen parts in the universal joint components you must replace the entire joint assembly. Look at the bearing caps to see if their needle bearings are destroyed or absent. Replace the universal joint if the bearing surfaces on the spider show extreme damage. Position the needle bearings properly to place the spider within the propeller shaft yoke. Insert one bearing cap into the propeller shaft yoke by gently tapping it over the spider while applying lubricant to both parts. Put the second bearing cap in place along with its snap ring while pressing for proper contact. Insert the second bearing cap through the shaft yoke and press through with the same socket tool. Rephrase this procedure for both pinion flange yoke halves by seating their snap rings tightly. Put the propeller shaft back into the vehicle after completing steps.

Install one bearing cap into the propeller shaft yoke, tapping gently for a smooth fit, then install the opposite bearing cap until a snap ring can be fitted.

Install the snap ring and check for proper seating.