Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Universal Joints
The U-joints consist of the following:
- A single spider (cross)
- Lubed-for-life design and require no periodic lubrication
- Nylon thrust washers, located at each base of the bearing cup, which control end play, position the needle bearing and improve grease movement
- Grease seals located at the opening of each bearing cup to retain the grease for the bearing lubrication
- Bearing cups that retain the needle bearings and locate the spider on the centerline of the shaft bore to control shaft runout and balance
The U-joints are staked in place and are not serviced individually. If worn or damaged, install a new driveshaft assembly.
The U-joints in this driveshaft assembly allow the driveshaft tubes to rotate smoothly through the varying angles of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU), the center support bearings and the Rear Drive Unit (RDU). The angles that cause the U-joints to accelerate and decelerate may cause vibration in the driveshaft assembly if the angles are either too great or too small. Refer to DRIVELINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.