2000 Cadillac Escalade Driveshaft Yokes

You need to remove the propeller shaft, support the propeller shaft in a line horizontal with the table of a press and mark the propeller shaft to show which end connects to the transmission and which end connects to the rear axle. Remove the snap rings, if equipped, place the universal joint so that the lower ear of the propeller shaft yoke is supported on a 30 mm (1 1/8 inch) socket, press the lower bearing cup out of the propeller shaft yoke ear, and rotate the propeller shaft and press the opposite bearing cup out of the propeller shaft yoke. Then you can remove the cross and the slip yoke from the propeller shaft yoke and inspect the bearing cup bores for burrs or imperfections.

You need to remove the bearing cups from the new universal joint journals, coat the needle bearings in the bearing cups with a thin layer of the grease that is present on the journal and apply the grease with your finger. Install one bearing cup part way into one side of the propeller shaft yoke, turn the propeller shaft yoke ear towards the bottom and install the cross into the propeller shaft yoke so that the trunnion seats freely into the bearing cup. With the trunnion seated in the bearing cup, press the bearing cup into the propeller shaft yoke until it is flush with the yoke ear. Next, install the opposite bearing cup partway into the propeller shaft yoke ear, make sure that the trunnions are started straight and true into both bearing cups, and press the opposite bearing cup into the propeller shaft yoke ear. Then you can install the bearing retainer in the retainer groove and repeat the installation procedure to install the universal joint to the slip yoke.