U-joint Installation Question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 2
From: East TN
U-joint Installation Question
I'm installing the u-joints on my '94's halfshafts and came across a problem. After pressing in the end caps into the yoke I noticed a difference in play on the other two free end caps. One will spin easily and the end cap will fall off just by gravity, the other spins with a little more resistance but is on the u-joint tighter and will not come off unless I pull really hard. I can make the end cap with more play in it the same as the other one by pushing in on it toward the u-joint until I hear a snap.
So the question is should I push the end cap with more play in it until it snaps onto the u-joint or is it supposed to be able to fall off just by gravity?
So the question is should I push the end cap with more play in it until it snaps onto the u-joint or is it supposed to be able to fall off just by gravity?
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 9
From: VA
Originally Posted by dan6712cc
I'm installing the u-joints on my '94's halfshafts and came across a problem. After pressing in the end caps into the yoke I noticed a difference in play on the other two free end caps. One will spin easily and the end cap will fall off just by gravity, the other spins with a little more resistance but is on the u-joint tighter and will not come off unless I pull really hard. I can make the end cap with more play in it the same as the other one by pushing in on it toward the u-joint until I hear a snap.
So the question is should I push the end cap with more play in it until it snaps onto the u-joint or is it supposed to be able to fall off just by gravity?
So the question is should I push the end cap with more play in it until it snaps onto the u-joint or is it supposed to be able to fall off just by gravity?
The proper position of the caps is snug against the retaining clips when installed. There isn't really any proper position when not installed.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 2
From: East TN
I was wondering because one of the tutorials I read recommended taping the free endcaps to the u-joint so they dont fall out. Seems easier to just snap them in. Im uing spicer slp30-2x, maybe these are a little different than what they used in the tutorial.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,110
Likes: 6
From: Red Sox Nation! RI
I think I understand what you're asking....If you have a spicer u-joint that allows the end cap to "snap" onto the trunion, then push it on til it snaps. Spicer uses different types of seals and has changed designs a few times. When I did mine, the caps didn't snap or lock into place and I guess it's air in the end cap that pushes the cap back off. I think yours are the newer desgin with the white plastic seal between the bearing cap and the journal of the u-joint (be careful not to crack that plastic seal).
The part # you mentioned doesn't ring a bell, but if they're spicers, I wouldn't add grease to the end caps unless it says so in the box. Especially if they are solid joints with no grease fitting. Spicer uses a measured amount of synthetic grease in each cap. That's also why they recommend you don't mix the bearing caps.
The part # you mentioned doesn't ring a bell, but if they're spicers, I wouldn't add grease to the end caps unless it says so in the box. Especially if they are solid joints with no grease fitting. Spicer uses a measured amount of synthetic grease in each cap. That's also why they recommend you don't mix the bearing caps.
