Help: U-joint disassembly

[Ralph Z.]

I am trying to disassemble a universal joint on the drive shaft of a Alexis FF. See photo below.

I removed the circlips and tried to remove the pivot. No dice. Are these pressed in place?

What is required to disassemble?

Thanks for your help.

[Neil_Roberts]

The cups are pressed in place, but usually not super tight. Some big sockets and a vise will get them out.

You will need to press the first cup out by pressing the one on the opposite side inward with a small diameter deep socket. When the first one is out, you can press the cross back the other way to press out the other cup. Repeat for the other two cups. It is handy to have a strong magnet to collect all of the pins off the floor.

[Gary_T]

When re-assembling - be VERY sure all of the rollers are 'stood up' in place. If one falls over, you won't be able to get the cup in far enough to install the circlip. If you just press more, you will crack the cup. If there is a grease zerk, pay attention to which way it will point when you install the new cross. Some yokes have a chamfered edge, which will only allow (dis)assembly in one direction. When you first get it all put back together, it may be quite tight, some light taps with a hammer on the yokes may release any residual pressure/friction/tightness from the press install.

It's not tough, but it can be a finicky process. You may have to disassemble a couple of times to get everything right, if you're in doubt, try again, don't just try to 'crush' it together.

[Bruce]

A little hint, use grease on the needle bearings inside the cups, that will aid them to remain in place. When reinstalling place one cup in with the yoke to aid in keeping the needles in place, install until it is flush with the outside edge. then place the opposite cup in place and slide the yoke toward that side and press that cup in. You can then use a socket to install each side in completely. Repeat for the second side.