Repair 7

How to Replace a Double Cardan Joint

A double cardan joint is two universal joints connected back to back. This specific kind of joint is used on automobile driveshafts. If you are driving and you feel shaking or rumbling coming from your car, you probably need to replace the double cardan joint. Although this is a telltale sign of a bad double cardan joint, there may be other causes for the shaking, so have a mechanic inspect your car.

Instructions

1

Set the parking brake on your car. Block the tires with tire blocks so the car will not slide. Pop the hood, and use a pair of pliers to loosen the negative -- normally black -- cable from the battery terminal. Turn the pliers counterclockwise, then disconnect the terminal from the battery.

2

Get under the car and locate the driveshaft. The driveshaft is a long shaft going from the front of your car to the back. Use a socket wrench to remove the driveshaft from your car. Every car is different, so look through your cars service manual on how to disconnect the driveshaft from the body.

3

Disassemble the driveshaft going from right to left. This will include the flange, the center yoke and the driveline. Place the pieces in order so you do not lose the assembly sequence.

4

Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the c-clips and the end caps from the flange. Use the screwdriver to remove the U-joints and the ball from the flange.

5

Sand any burrs or rust that are on the inside of the flange with sandpaper. Apply grease to the socket, then install the new ball. Use a hammer and a 15/16 socket to drive the new ball into place.

6

Press the new seal into place with a 27 mm socket and hammer. Install the second U-joint into the other side of the flange.

7

Repeat the process for the U-joint in your driveline. Install the spring that came with your kit into the alignment stud on the driveline.

8

Reinstall the c-clips, then put the driveshaft back together. Reinstall the driveshaft to your car.