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Introduction

Replacing a Spicer SPL Series universal joint is very simple and involves 3 activities: removing the old universal joint and examining the universal joint and driveshaft; installing the new universal joint, evaluating the driveshaft assembly again and finally, lubricating.

  1. 
With four steps, you perform a service with all the original Spicer quality: 1 - Identify 2 - Lubricate 3 - Evaluate 4 - Replace
    • With four steps, you perform a service with all the original Spicer quality: 1 - Identify 2 - Lubricate 3 - Evaluate 4 - Replace

    • Respect the lubrication intervals: if the cardan is immersed in water or mud (when facing floods, crossing streams, working in rice fields, among other similar situations), the ideal is to re-lubricate.

    • Use the Right Grease: The biggest cause of problems with crossheads and sliding joints is the application of the wrong greases. Do not try to save money by using another type of grease. The damage with the cardan will be much greater.

    • Cleaning is Fundamental: Before starting the lubrication, it is necessary: 1 - Clean and evaluate the state of conservation of the grease fittings of each crosshead. 2 - Check that the grease gun has no remains of old grease or any other type of grease. 3 - In pneumatic systems, check that the air is not contaminated with water or oil.

  2. 
Look for the Causes: before doing any maintenance on the cardan, the mechanic must listen to who drives the vehicle. Complaints of vibrations or noise, such as the famous “bell sound”, usually indicate problems.
    • Look for the Causes: before doing any maintenance on the cardan, the mechanic must listen to who drives the vehicle. Complaints of vibrations or noise, such as the famous “bell sound”, usually indicate problems.

    • Next, inspect the entire driveshaft assembly, from the transmission to the differential.

    • Look for cracks, dents, or loss of balance weights welded to the tubes.

    • Pay attention to noise, play or breakage in the bearings.

    • Check for gaps or cracks in the universal joints.

    • See if there are crosses with mirror caps, fixing problems, lack of tightness or other defects.

    • Look for gaps in the slip joint.

    • Are there any adaptations or poorly made repairs? They can change how the gimbal works.

  3. 
Mark the Parts. If it is necessary to remove the cardan from the vehicle, the ideal is to mark the position of all the parts. Use an industrial marker (or paint and brush) to make marks before disassembly.

You will notice that some parts, such as the slip joint, even have etched marks.
    • Mark the Parts. If it is necessary to remove the cardan from the vehicle, the ideal is to mark the position of all the parts. Use an industrial marker (or paint and brush) to make marks before disassembly.

    • You will notice that some parts, such as the slip joint, even have etched marks.

    • Correct positioning is critical. If there is an error, the gimbal will break at the slightest effort.

    • Work Correct: After marking the position of the parts, separate the necessary tools and start the disassembly.

    • Many vehicles use torx screws. Do not attempt to remove them using hex sockets. As they are large and heavy pieces, prefer to work in pairs. If necessary, use a hoist.

    • When transporting, be careful not to hit the gimbal or let any parts fall to the ground.

    • Cleaning and Organization: before starting the gimbal repair, it is necessary to clean all the parts and the work area. It is also very important to have the right tools on hand, clean and organized.

    • Don't Mix: The quality of maintenance starts with the choice and purchase of parts. Never mix products of different brands in the universal joint or the slip joint. Each manufacturer works in a way and the result of this “mixing” never ends well. Components do not fit properly or have gaps different from those indicated.

  4. 
With the crosshead out of the gimbal, analyze the part. Some defects leave important hints:
    • With the crosshead out of the gimbal, analyze the part. Some defects leave important hints:

    • Crossheads with burnt tenons suffered from a lack of grease or the wrong grease.

    • Marked or cracked tenons may indicate warping or over-torque.

    • Marks on the top of the ear are usually caused by adaptations or warping.

    • If you notice any of these problems or other abnormal wear (such as misaligned parts or oval holes), inform the vehicle owner and correct the failure before assembling the new crosshead.

    • After the analysis, throw away (recycle, don't forget) the old cross, screws, rollers, covers, rings. Nothing must be reused. The Spicer cross comes complete with new grease fitting and snap rings.

    • Also analyze, with the use of templates, the alignment of the eyes. A misaligned component will cause problems with the crossheads and the gimbal itself.

  5. 
Before handing over the vehicle to the customer, it is always good to do a test drive.

If you notice vibrations in the cardan, remove the crosshead and reassemble it by turning 180 degrees (half a turn).

It will also be necessary to lubricate again, to replace the grease lost in the disassembly.
    • Before handing over the vehicle to the customer, it is always good to do a test drive.

    • If you notice vibrations in the cardan, remove the crosshead and reassemble it by turning 180 degrees (half a turn).

    • It will also be necessary to lubricate again, to replace the grease lost in the disassembly.

    • If the gimbal continues to vibrate, the only solution will be to rebalance it. Many companies say they do this service, but it's good to be aware.

    • To balance a gimbal correctly, you need a balancing machine.

    • Other solutions, such as the use of a lathe and heat, do not solve the problem and may even condemn the piece.

    • Remove the clamp fixing screws and remove the covers.

    • Remove the crosspiece

    • After disassembling the covers, check that all the rollers are properly positioned in the covers and examine the crosshead body, looking for marks or excessive wear.

    • These may be indications of other driveshaft problems. The crosspiece can be considered a type of driveshaft fuse, and abnormal or premature wear indicates other problems, such as misalignment or lack of lubrication.

    • Properly dispose of used screws, caps and rollers, which should never be reused.

    • New line.

    • Check that the grease fitting is in the correct position, with easy access and without blocking the movement of the joint.

    • Use original Spicer screws, part number 6-73-709

    • Before installing, be careful when removing the crosshead covers so that the rollers do not fall out. If any do fall out, carefully reposition them.

    • Position the cross and place one cap at a time, leaving the final tightening after all caps are fixed. when using the press, always protect the crosshead with the protective rings provided.

    • Using the torque wrench, apply 51-65 NM to each bolt.

    • Do not apply oil or grease to the eyelets, this may cause the covers to rotate.

  6. 
Always check that the cardan is level and aligned.
    • Always check that the cardan is level and aligned.

    • After attaching the four covers, check that the universal joint moves freely - it must not be blocked or make noise.

  7. 
Under no circumstances should you attempt any repair or maintenance for which you have not been trained or if you do not have the tools and equipment to repair it.
    • Under no circumstances should you attempt any repair or maintenance for which you have not been trained or if you do not have the tools and equipment to repair it.

    • Always wear the proper safety glasses when performing any type of maintenance. Failure to wear safety glasses could result in injury and/or partial or complete loss of vision.

    • Always be careful when working with products that have sharp edges.

    • Inadequate lubrication or reuse of coupling parts or screws can cause the gimbal to fail or even separate the gimbal from the vehicle. A separate vehicle gimbal can cause an accident and even death. Don't take any chances with security.

    • An important part of the work and operation of your workshop is the correct disposal of the products that will be replaced. Do your part and together we contribute to a sustainable future.

    • Find out more at http://www.spicer.com.br/danatureza

Conclusion

After installing the crosshead on the cardan shaft, follow the lubrication procedures as per the specific guide for the SPL series available at SPL170-1XS | Lubrication

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Spicer

Member since: 9/2/16

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