GC2310 snowblower driveshaft flew off...

[ray66v]

Question ? I assume the caps on the universal joints can just be pryed off to reveal the C-clips that retain the bearing caps?
DEWFPO

I have never seen "caps" on U-joint retainers, I suspect possibly there are no retainers. They may be just pressed in. Those expensive little U-joints are very easy to damage, and have to be centered carefully to avoid vibration.

 

[DEWFPO]

I've changed many u-joints on cars and trucks but have not see one that had these caps on them. They look like a press fit so I may try to pry them off and see what I can do. I never considered that the caps themselves were the centering mechanism. I can measure the setback from each side with a caliper to make sure it's centered. We don't have a driveshaft shop in our small town, but we do have a JD dealer. Does someone have a shop manual that shows how to disassemble the u-joint on that mid-pto shaft?

DEWFPO

 

[irvingj]

Walt-- Looks like these u-joints employ c-clips on the INSIDE of the caps/needles (under the caps, as it were)-- I tried to take a pic of the set-up; though it's a bit hard to see through the grease, the first picture is the clearest. It appears that the little opening in the casting is where you would stick a tool in to pry the c-clip out. The rest of the removal should be the same as any for other u-joint, I would guess.

 

[irvingj]

That didn't sound too clear.... The c-clips are on the inside of the yoke holes, not under the caps themselves... Hope that you'll be able to see the side (edge) of the c-clip in the first picture. The last photo is of the other end of the driveshaft--same set-up.

 

[DEWFPO]

Thanks for the photo's Walt, I haven't gotten around to prying off one of those caps yet. Probably in the next day or so, will let you all know.

DEWFPO

 

[Cucch]

I like the longer yoke. I hope my original yoke holds up over time. It looks like they should have used the longer yokes to begin with. That extra inch sure looks more secure and stable to me.

We'll see what this winter brings...

Thanks for the info so far,
Cucch

 

[irvingj]

Here's a drawing of how the clips on the u-joint are arranged that I hope is a bit clearer---

 

[DEWFPO]

Thanks for that diagram. That's clear and looks straightforward. I'll try to get around to it tonight or tomorrow.

DEWFPO

 

[ray66v]

Yes, I remember now, the clips are on the inside of my old Bolens drive shafts too. In fairness, I have not replaced one in the last 25 years.

 

[DEWFPO]

Here's a drawing of how the clips on the u-joint are arranged that I hope is a bit clearer---

What's the best way to get those interior C-clips off? I've never don't one of this type before.

DEWFPO