OEM 2001 GMC Safari Universal Joint

2001 GMC Safari Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: What tools are required to service and repair the universal joint with a nylon injected ring on 2001 GMC Safari?

  A: Performing a Universal Joint service with nylon injected ring requires two specific tools: u joint bearing separator (J 9522-3) and u joint bearing spacer remover (J 9522-5). First put the propeller shaft on a press device and set it horizontally. Choose one end of the propeller shaft as the transfer point to the transmission or transfer case and the other end for connection to rear or front axle. Support the lower Universal Joint ear on the yoke with a 30 mm (1/1/8 inch) socket. To remove the lower bearing cup from its yoke ear use the j 9522-3 u joint bearing separator on opened horizontal cup bearings and press outward with the bearing spacer remover j 9522-5. Insert the u joint bearing spacer remover (J 9522-5) between seal and bearing cup and press them until cup separates from its position. Rely on the propeller shaft rotation to push the opposite bearing cup from yoke while disassembling cross and Universal Joint elements. When replacing the front Universal Joint of the rear axle you need to take out its bearing cups from the Slip Yoke as well. Verify both retaining ring grooves inside the yoke show no plastic debris and no nicks exist within the bearing cup bores. Remove sheared plastic from ring grooves before installing fresh bearings. To install the new parts apply a small amount of chassis grease onto the needle bearings before installing them into the bearing cups of the Universal Joint journals. Put one bearing cup into one side of the yoke then rotate it downward until you can insert the cross that helps the trunnion move through the bearing cup. Push the bearing cup into the yoke ear surface before placing the other bearing cup half way in from the opposite yoke ear ensuring trunnion parts align. Leave off pressure when misalignment appears in the bearings. Fold the opposite bearing cup onto the yoke ear while verifying that the trunnions move easily in their locations. Apply pressure until the bearing retainer groove fits over the yoke inner surface and install the bearing retainer into the groove. Use a gentle press while adding chassis grease when possible. Strike the yoke gently with a dead blow hammer to position the retainer seat when the retainer fails to fit properly.