Universal Joint Flange

Universal Joint Flange

Special Tool(s):

Material:

Removal

CAUTION: This operation disturbs the pinion bearing preload. Carefully reset the preload during assembly.

1. Position the vehicle on a hoist.

2. CAUTION: Remove the front brake caliper to prevent drag during the drive pinion bearing preload adjustment.

CAUTION: Do not allow the calipers to hang from the brake hoses.

Remove the front brake calipers. Wire the caliper aside.
3. Index-mark the front driveshaft to the axle universal joint flange.





4. CAUTION: Do not allow the driveshaft to hang unsupported.

Disconnect and support the front driveshaft.
^ Remove and discard the 6 bolts and 3 washers.
^ Carefully disconnect and support the front driveshaft.





5. Using a Nm (inch/pound) torque wrench, measure the torque necessary to maintain pinion rotation. Record the measurement for reference during installation.





6. CAUTION: After removing the pinion nut, discard it. Use a new pinion nut for installation.

Install the special tool and remove the pinion nut.





7. Index-mark the axle universal joint flange to the pinion stem.





8. Using the special tool, separate the axle universal joint flange from the pinion gear.





9. Remove the flange.
10. Inspect the axle universal joint flange for burrs, the nut counterbore and the seal contact surface for nicks, and the bearing cone contact area for damage. Install a new flange if necessary.
11. Check the pinion stem splines for burrs. If burrs are evident, remove them with a fine crocus cloth.

Installation
1. Lubricate the axle universal joint flange splines and the pinion seal.
^ Use front axle lubricant.

2. CAUTION: Never install the axle universal joint flange with a hammer or power tools.

NOTE: Disregard the scribe marks if installing a new flange.

Align the index marks and position the axle universal joint flange on the pinion shaft.





3. NOTE: Rotate the pinion gear occasionally to make sure the pinion bearings seat correctly.

Using the special tool, install the axle universal joint flange.





4. CAUTION: Do not loosen the pinion nut to reduce preload under any circumstance. If it is necessary to reduce preload, install a new drive pinion collapsible spacer and pinion nut.

Install the special tool and tighten the pinion nut. Refer to the torque specifications for used bearings.
^ Rotate the pinion gear occasionally to make sure the pinion bearings are seating correctly. Take frequent pinion bearing torque preload readings by rotating the pinion gear with a Nm (inch/pound) torque wrench.
^ If the preload recorded prior to disassembly is lower than the specification for used bearings, then tighten the pinion nut to the specification. If the preload recorded prior to disassembly is higher than the specification for used bearings, then tighten the pinion nut to the original reading as recorded.








5. Align the index marks then attach the front driveshaft.





6. Inspect and, if necessary, fill the differential.
^ Use rear axle lubricant.
7. Lower the vehicle.