GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Double Cardan Universal Joints Replacement Centering Ball Replacement

Tools Required

    • J 23694 C.V. Propeller Shaft Seal Installer
    • J 23996-1 C.V. Replaceable Ball Installer
    • J 23996-2 C.V. Replaceable Ball Remover

    Important: Production universal joints may not be reassembled. The production bearing cups do not have bearing retainer grooves. Discard all universal joint parts that are removed.

  1. Disassemble the flange yoke assembly.
  2. Inspect the ball seat insert bushing for wear.
  3. If the bushing is worn, replace the ball support yoke and cross assembly.
  4. Inspect the seal and ball seats along with the spring and washers.
  5. If any parts show indication of excessive wear or are broken, replace the entire set with a service kit. Always discard the removed seal and replace the seal.

  6. Inspect the centering ball surface.
  7. If the ball surface shows signs of wear beyond a smooth polish, replace the ball.
  8. Clean all of the plastic from the grooves of all the yokes. Drive a small pin or punch through the injection holes in order to remove the plastic.

  9. Object Number: 1230  Size: SH

    Notice: When a centering ball requires replacement, all ball seat components must be replaced also. A separate ball and seat service kit is available. The kit has two seat springs and the longer spring must be discarded.

  10. Disassemble the shaft in a bench vise.
  11. Install the ball puller, J 23996-2 over the ball.
  12. Tighten the puller nut finger tight.
  13. Apply a light coat of multipurpose grease to the jaws of the ball puller tool in order to reduce friction between the jaws and the inside surface of the tool sleeve.
  14. Tighten the nut until the ball is removed from the stud.
  15. Position a new ball on the stud.

  16. Object Number: 1232  Size: SH
  17. Position the J 23996-1 against the ball and drive the tool with a hammer until the ball bottoms on the stud.
  18. Replace the ball seats and components. Refer to Double Cardan Universal Joints Replacement .

Double Cardan Universal Joints Replacement Ball Seat Assembly

Tools Required

J 23694 Seal Installer

  1. Remove the centering ball. Refer to Double Cardan Universal Joints Replacement .
  2. Important: Take care not to damage the seal bore when prying the seal.

  3. Pry the grease seal from the ball seat housing.
  4. Remove the large washer, the three seats, the small washer and the spring from the seat housing.
  5. Wash the bore of the housing thoroughly with mineral spirits in order to remove all traces of old lubricant.
  6. Dry the bore of the housing thoroughly with compressed air.
  7. Obtain a ball and seat kit. Discard the longer of the two springs in the kit.
  8. Liberally grease the inside diameter of the ball seat housing. Use the grease supplied in the kit.
  9. Thoroughly grease and install the following parts in the ball seat housing:
  10. 8.1. The spring
    8.2. The small washer
    8.3. Three seats
    8.4. The large washer

    Object Number: 1231  Size: SH
  11. Install the grease seal.
  12. 9.1. Position the grease seal on the housing with the seal lip facing down into bore.
    9.2. Place the J 23694 over the seal and tap the seal into place. The seal is seated when flush with the housing.
  13. Pack the remaining grease from the ball and seat kit in the seat assembly and on the seal. Make sure the inner surfaces of the seats are liberally lubricated.
  14. Position the ball support yoke and cross assembly in the flange yoke. Align the reference marks made at disassembly.
  15. Install the bearing cups.
  16. Check the ball seat assembly. The ball support yoke snaps over the center and moves to the right or left and up or down freely if the constant velocity joint is correctly assembled.