U-joints, VP SX

[kmongar]

1995 VP 5.0 SX Cobra

Hello
The VP manual indicates that a few special tools are required to remove and re-install U-joints. How hard is this to do this and are there any non-special tools that can get the job done?

Basically all I need to change is the carrier end yoke...which is scored where the seal rode on it (gear lube was leaking into the bellows). Just trying to figure out whether to buy the whole U-joint assembly or attempt to just replace the yoke.
thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

Ayuh,.....

Once you get the complete assembley on the Bench,.....
They're just like any other U-joints,......
Nothing a BFH, an appropriate sized socket,+ a Vise won't change......

 

[superpop]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

The ujoints are pretty easy to R&R if you know what you are doing. Basically bang them out. I am not sure of what tools you need to remove the whole assembly though.

 

[Don S]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

You are going to need to pull the carrier (NO NOT loose those color coded plastic shims between the carrier and upper housing), remove the screw in the end to pull the yoke out. You will also need a new seal, because you will have to remove your old one to remove the bearing so you can replace the crush sleave. then you will have to reset the bearing preload to specs, you will also need a new screw. They should not be reused.
I would strongly suggest you get a service manual for it before attempting the repair.

 

[mikeneal]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

I made a tool from a socket to change my SW u-joints. I ground a relief into a appropriate size socket. That allowed me to change mine without takign the carrier out. I used that and a monster "C" clamp. Might not be easiest way though, Don S. and the folks here are the pros.

You are going to need to pull the carrier (NO NOT loose those color coded plastic shims between the carrier and upper housing), remove the screw in the end to pull the yoke out. You will also need a new seal, because you will have to remove your old one to remove the bearing so you can replace the crush sleave. then you will have to reset the bearing preload to specs, you will also need a new screw. They should not be reused.
I would strongly suggest you get a service manual for it before attempting the repair.

 

[Don S]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

I made a tool from a socket to change my SW u-joints. I ground a relief into a appropriate size socket. That allowed me to change mine without takign the carrier out.

He is planning on changing the yoke, that has a bad sealing surface on it, not just the ujoints. He MUST remove the carrier in order to do that.

 

[mikeneal]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

Doh, I didn't see/remember that. Should known I could not have a easier way past you Don. Never mind. As the kids say...my bad.

He is planning on changing the yoke, that has a bad sealing surface on it, not just the ujoints. He MUST remove the carrier in order to do that.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

doesnt matter
the Ujoints are not avalible from VP anyway
if you need a Ujoint for an SX you buy a shaft assy. about 386 dollars.
it comes with a new bolt,crush sleeve and a shaft assy.
you will need a press to break over the crush sleeve.
you will need a dial type inch pounds torque wrench.
if you dont break over the new crush sleeve with a press odds are high you will snap the bolt trying to get the correct bearing preload.

 

[mcleaves]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

the Ujoints are not avalible from VP anyway
if you need a Ujoint for an SX you buy a shaft assy. about 386 dollars.

Is this new news? I changed the crosses on my SX two years back and did the crosses (same parts) on my DP last summer. They were readily available from my VP dealer at that time.

M

 

[mikeneal]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

I am already guilty of filling this thread with misinformation, but I did mine (VP SX) about 3 yrs ago and thought they were same as Alpha, I know I did not have to look too far to find them.

 

[kmongar]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

"you will need a press to break over the crush sleeve.
you will need a dial type inch pounds torque wrench.
if you dont break over the new crush sleeve with a press odds are high you will snap the bolt trying to get the correct bearing preload."

I don't quite get this part about "breaking over" the new crush sleeve with a press. How is that done?

 

[Don S]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

When you put the new sleeve in, and put the bearings in place, just press the inner race of the outer bearing till it just starts collapsing the sleeve. Then the bolt can be used to pull it the rest of the way in much easier than trying to get it started using the bolt.

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

doesnt matter
the Ujoints are not avalible from VP anyway
if you need a Ujoint for an SX you buy a shaft assy. about 386 dollars.
it comes with a new bolt,crush sleeve and a shaft assy.
you will need a press to break over the crush sleeve.
you will need a dial type inch pounds torque wrench.
if you dont break over the new crush sleeve with a press odds are high you will snap the bolt trying to get the correct bearing preload.

always use a new bolt, never had one snap on me. gotta love it when the oem doest trust mechanics to change crosses.

the oil could be there because the last fill was too high, easiest way out is through the input shaft. drain and do a pressure/vacuum test before you start any work. propshaft seal is more likely to fail then the input shaft seal on that drive.

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

"you will need a press to break over the crush sleeve.
you will need a dial type inch pounds torque wrench.
if you dont break over the new crush sleeve with a press odds are high you will snap the bolt trying to get the correct bearing preload."

I don't quite get this part about "breaking over" the new crush sleeve with a press. How is that done?

the sleeve is to adjust the distance between the 2 input shaft bearings and therefore the preload on the bearings. the sleeve comes far longer then it needs to be and some folk like to squash it a little to get it started and closer to the width it will end up anyway.

 

[mcleaves]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

gotta love it when the oem doest trust mechanics to change crosses.

I'm still waiting for someone to confirm this because they were available last season.

M

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

consider it confirmed. it didnt bother me that much because i dont have to pay for them. you can buy them aftermarket but you cant buy a yoke or a spline shaft by itself, i dont believe.

 

[Don S]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

Since I have no access to a Volvo dealerships info anymore, I can't tell you, but I will see what I can find out. I can't believe you can't buy just the crosses.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

consider it confirmed. it didnt bother me that much because i dont have to pay for them. you can buy them aftermarket but you cant buy a yoke or a spline shaft by itself, i dont believe.

4 years ago I bought just the yoke. Maybe this is a more recent policy of not selling them individually. And yes...it was a Volvo yoke.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

beats me
for the DP(swedish drives) the individual shaft pieces are avalible from VP. for the SX,PDS and XDP if you need anyof it from VP you buy a shaft assy now.
they dont even list the cross's nor the joints as a part number. you just get a bulliten reference.
the older units had inside keepers,those cross's are still avalible but you will have to use the 2000 and older parts manuals to find the number.
the later units used outside keepers and volvo doesnt offer any part numbers.
some of my commercial guys say they have found automotive cross's at napa.
I cant use them as I work for a dealer and if anything fails guess who the customers lawyer is going to blame ?

 

[mcleaves]

Re: U-joints, VP SX

beats me
for the DP(swedish drives) the individual shaft pieces are avalible from VP.

Ahhh that helps answer it. I upgraded to a complete DP drive last season and I put new crosses in it just for peace of mind. The last time I did my old SX was two years ago, call it almost three seasons.

I wasn't aware (nor can understand why) the assemblies are any different between the SX and DP drives since the DP lower is all you need to turn an SX into a DP. So it was my understanding the uppers were the same.

Not trying to stir a hornets nest. Just trying to remove the confusion I am feeling.

M