Chevrolet Light Duty Truck 1973, Service Manual

Page: 234 / 979

4 - 1 0 REAR S U S P E N S IO N A N D DRIVELINE
Removal
1. Raise vehicle on hoist. Mark relationship of shaft
to companion flange and disconnect the rear
universal joint by removing trunnion bearing "U "
bolts or straps. Tape bearing cups to trunnion to
prevent dropping and loss of bearing rollers.
2. For models with two-piece shafts remove bolts
retaining bearing support to frame crossmember.
3. Slide propeller shaft forward disengaging trunnion
from axle flange, then slide assembly rearward
disengaging from transmission.
Repairs (Universal Joints)
NOTE: The universal joints are of the
extended-life design. and do not require
periodic inspection or lubrication; however,
when these joints are disassembled, repack
bearings and lubricate reservoir at end of
trunnions with high-melting point wheel
bearing lubricant and replace the dust seals.
1. Remove bearing lock rings from trunnion yoke.
2. Support trunnion yoke on a piece of 1-1/4" I.D.
pipe on an arbor bed.
NOTE: Due to length of the propeller shaft it
may be more convenient to use a bench vise,
for removal and installation, instead of an
arbor press. In this case, proceed with
disassembly and assembly procedure as with
an arbor press.
3. Using a suitable socket or rod, press on trunnion
until bearing cup is almost out. Grasp cup in vise
and work cup out of yoke.
NOTE: The bearing cup cannot be fully
pressed out.
4. Press trunnion in opposite direction and remove
other cup as in Step 3.
Fig. 24—Bearing Cup Removal with Press
Clean and inspect dust seals, bearing rollers, and
trunnion. Relubricate bearings as indicated in
Section 0.
NOTE: In addition to packing the bearings,
make sure that the lubricant reservoir at the
end of each trunnion is completely filled with
lubricant. In filling these reservoirs, pack
lubricant into the hole so as to fill from the
bottom (use of squeeze bottle is recommen­
ded). This will prevent air pockets and ensure
an adequate supply of lubricant.
If not installing a "U " joint service kit, as shown in
figure 25, place dust seals on trunnions with the
cavity of seal toward end of trunnion. Press seal
onto trunnion exercising caution during installation
to prevent seal distortion and to assure proper
seating of seal on trunnion.
NOTE: If installing seal on small size
trunnion, seal installer J-21548 should be
used, shown in figure 26.
Position trunnion into yoke. Paritally install one
bearing cup into yoke. Start trunnion into bearing
cup. Partially install other cup. Align trunnion into
cup, and press cups into yoke. Install lock rings.
1. Trunnion
2. Seal
3. Bearings
4. Cap
5. Snap Ring
Fig. 23—Bearing Cup Removal with Vise
Fig. 25—Universal Joint Repair Kit
LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL