Driveshaft U-Joint Replacement

Component identification

4. Flange Yoke
5. Sleeve Yoke
6. Driveshaft

Note: U-joints must be replaced as a set. Individual components cannot be replaced individually.

U-joint removal procedure

Required tool: C-clamp MB990840 (or equivalent) is required for this procedure.

1. Remove snap rings.
2. Remove bearing caps and inspect. Replace if damaged.
3. Place the C-clamp as shown.
4. Press out the U-joint; remove cups from both ends.
5. Slide out U-joint.
6. Inspect U-joint for cracking or fractures. Replace if damaged.

U-joint assembly

Note: Coat all parts to be pressed thoroughly with multi-grade axle grease before installation.

1. Place U-joint in C-clamp press as shown.
2. Compress cups as shown in the diagram.

Note: If cups cannot be compressed by hand-tightening, or binding has occurred, remove cups and inspect needle bearings.

Snap ring installation

1. Place the U-joint as shown.
2. Coat snap ring with multi-grade axle grease.
3. Install snap ring — use Needle Nose pliers or similar tools if C-clamp adapter tool MB990840 is not available.
4. After installation, measure snap ring-to-bearing-cup gap.

Limit: 0.03 mm (0.001 in).

Snap ring thickness guide

Snap Ring Thickness	Color Code (painted)
1.28 mm (0.050 in)	----- (no paint mark)
1.31 mm (0.052 in)	Yellow
1.34 mm (0.053 in)	Blue
1.37 mm (0.054 in)	Purple

(verified against scan p.196, 2026-08-30) — the printed chart pairs the three color names one row lower than the earlier transcription had them: 1.28 mm carries no color code (printed as ”-----”), and Yellow/Blue/Purple belong to 1.31/1.34/1.37 mm respectively.