Need help installing Universal Joint Repair kit.

[19Fordy]

1928-48 Ford Universal Joint Repair.
I installed the center cross piece with 2 bearings opposite each other on one half of the U-Joint . That half of the U-Joint yoke swivels and slides in and out nicely as it should with no play.

When I installed the bearings in the other half of the U-joint, that yoke became very tight and would not swivel or slide like the other half does. It feels like the bearing is being crushed to tight. Each bearing fits fine on the center cross piece when the bearing is not pressed into the yoke. But, when the bearing is inserted in the yoke, it's too tight. I removed all burrs and sharp edges.

Summary: In the first photo the yoke on the bottom works fine. But, when the other yoke in the bottom of the first photo is assembled to the other two bearings the fit becomes very tight. That yoke is very hard to swivel or slide as it should. Seems to be binding. Takes a lot of effort to make it swivel and slide. Won't slide by hand.

The U-Joint repair kit was expensive so I don't want to damage it. Is this the way it's suppose to be when new so that it gradually "wears in".
What am I doing wrong?
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you, JIM

[tubman]

A long time ago, when I was young, I had the same problem. On disassembly, I found one of the needle bearings had "fallen down" in the cap and was binding everything up. I looked it over closely, and when it appeared undamaged, added a little more axle grease and reassembled it properly. It never failed while I had the car.

[Chuck41]

There are a few ways the cross can be oriented in relation to the castings. When I did mine, there was one way (at least) where I got tightness like you describe. Also it seemed like some bushings fit better in some places than others. I just fiddled with it every which way until I found the smoothest arrangement.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

1928-48 Ford Universal Joint.
I installed the center cross piece with 2 bearings opposite each other on one half of the U-Joint . That half of the U-Joint yoke swivels and slides in and out nicely as it should with no play.

When I installed the bearings in the other half of the U-joint, that yoke became very tight and would not swivel or slide like the other half does. It feels like the bearing is being crushed to tight. Each bearing fits fine on the center cross piece when the bearing is not pressed into the yoke. But, when the bearing is inserted in the yoke, it's too tight.

Summary; In the first photo the yoke on the bottom works fine. But, when the other yoke in the bottom of the first photo is assembled to the other two bearings the fit becomes very tight. That yoke is very hard to swivel or slide as it should. Seems to be binding. Takes a lot force effort to make it swivel and slide.

The U-Joint repair kit was expensive so I don't want to damage it.
What am I doing wrong?
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you, JIM

[19Fordy]

There are no needle bearings in this Universal Joint. Kit comes with 4 cross center swivel and 4 bushings that are press in - 1 in each side of the yoke.

[pistonbroke]

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Your trunnion or cross as you call it may be slightly imperfect as in not square. If the bearings slide on the trunnion ok and slide into the yoke by them selves ok then either your yoke is bent or the trunnion is out of true. Was the joint badly worn (sloppy) when you took it apart. If so it may have been abused and deformed slightly. My two cents, Tim

[rich b]

Maybe assemble the joint and while holding in your hand smack the tight yoke with a hammer just below the trunnion on each side and see if that helps.

Probably have to wrap tape around it to keep it together since I don't think you want to put the locks in until the binding is gone.

[Ggmac]

Iwas going to suggest the hammer wack ( thats what I was instructed to do ) and it usually worked . Even works on std driveshaft ujoints when one is stiff . Just make sure you’re holding it in your hand . I don’t know why that matters but it seems to .

[Tim Ayers]

Jim:

Let us know what you find out once you getting sorted. I have one I need to so as well.

Tim

[19Fordy]

Tim, I just posted a follow up report 2/15/24.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=335806