Double Cardan Centering Ball Seal

[rbattelle]

For those who have had their front driveshaft apart, does the seal shown in this photo get pressed onto the socket?



I suspect the answer is "yes", but I want to be sure before I try to beat the thing on there. Seems like it's going to take a good pounding.



I think it popped off during the joint removal process, which I buggered up.



Ryan

 

[rbattelle]

Answered my own question

The answer is "yes and no". Remember when I said I had buggered up the disassembly? It was worse than I thought, because the socket had actually come dislodged from its normal position and I didn't realize it.



Imagine my surprise when I put the piece in the press to press on the seal and the entire socket moved in another 1/2"! Notice the proper position of the seal is pressed into the housing. The socket is no longer visible - it's beneath the seal.



Thank God I decided to put it in the press!



While I was at it, I thought I would show that I noticed a small hole (around 0. 050" diameter) in the yoke casting just behind the ball and socket assembly. This is where AAM installed the grease fitting on 2005-up revisions of the driveshaft.



A grease needle with the proper angle could be used to grease the center ball through that hole. I think I'll try it out once I get the shaft reassembled.



Ryan

 

[BILLVO]

That isn't where you grease it at... ... ..... The grease neadle pocket is in the same spot as where a grease zerk would be but it looks like a silver button almost like a rivet head.



Here is a link to a thread with a picture of what I am talking about.

 

[rbattelle]

You're right, Bill, the fitting is on the other end from the photo I showed. Did they make the centering stud hollow on the new design?

I think I'm going to bend up a custom needle to add grease to the hole I showed, which will flow grease into the socket and around the housing. Can't hurt.

Ryan

 

[BILLVO]

I think it is a bleed hole to prevent over greasing and popping the seal out.

 

[rbattelle]

I think it is a bleed hole to prevent over greasing and popping the seal out.

Yeah, that's what I figured - a vent hole. But on this driveshaft design it's also the only hole.



Ryan

 

[BILLVO]

Yeah, that's what I figured - a vent hole. But on this driveshaft design it's also the only hole.



Ryan

I forget the 03-04 didn't have the grease fitting like the 05 and newer have from what I have read here.