Inspection of the Driveline

49X mm 41.01.001
  1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the parking brakes, and chock the tires.

    2. Notice: Due to the extreme load occurring at high-speed rotation, a loose or broken capscrew at any point in the driveline will weaken the driveline connection, which could eventually result in serious vehicle damage. Tighten bearing-cap capscrews or yoke-strap capscrews to specified torque, being careful to not overtighten.

  2. Tighten the U-joint capscrews. See Table. for torque specifications.

    Table 1, U-Joint Torque Specifications

    U-Joint Torque Specifications

    Type

    Torque

    FigureFigure

    U-joints with bearing caps

    43 lbf·ft (58 N·m)

    		Fig..

    Meritor RPL U-joints (except RPL35)

    125 lbf·ft (169 N·m)

    		Fig..

    Meritor RPL35 U-joints

    150 lbf·ft (203 N·m)

    		Fig..

    U-joints with yoke straps

    125 lbf·ft (169 N·m)

    		Fig..

      Table 1, U-Joint Torque Specifications

      1. Self-Locking Capscrew

      2. Adhesive Band

      Fig. 1, Meritor U-Joint Fasteners for Bearing Caps

      Fig. 2, Meritor RPL Series U-Joint, Except RPL35

      Note: All fasteners are not shown.

      1. Transmission

      2. Transmission Output-Shaft End-Yoke (yoke-strap type)

      3. U-Joint Assembly

      4. Bearing Cap Self-Locking Capscrew

      5. Bearing Cap

      6. U-Joint Cross

      7. Bearing Cup (for yoke strap)

      8. Yoke Strap and Capscrew

      9. Slip-Joint Assembly

      10. Sleeve-Yoke (bearing-cap type)

      11. Dust Cap

      12. Splined Stub Shaft

      13. Driveshaft Tube

      14. Tube-Yoke (bearing-cap type)

      15. Axle Input-Shaft End-Yoke (yoke-strap type)

      16. Rear Axle

      Fig. 3, Components of a Basic Driveline

      1. Yoke

      2. Input Flange

      3. Bolt

      4. Washer

      5. Nut

      Fig. 4, Meritor RPL35 Series U-Joint

    1. Check the driveline yokes or flanges for cracks, and check end-yokes for looseness. See Fig..
      Replace cracked yokes and flanges.
      If any end-yoke can be moved in or out on its shaft, or can be rocked on its shaft, disconnect the driveshaft and U-joint from the yoke, then check the drive component's shaft seal for leakage or other visible damage that may have been caused by the loose yoke. Replace the seal if needed, then tighten the yoke nut. Refer to  of the Western Star 47X and 49X Workshop Manual for torque specifications. If the yoke is still loose after tightening the yoke nut, replace the end-yoke and yoke nut.
      Replace the prevailing torque locknut (end-yoke nut) if it was removed for yoke replacement, seal replacement, or any other reason.
    2. Check U-joint assemblies for wear by moving the driveshaft up and down, and from side to side. If any movement of the U-joint cross in the bearings can be felt or seen, replace the U-joint assembly.
    3. Check if the midship bearing and mounting are loose or have deteriorated, by attempting to move the driveshaft up and down, and from side to side. If the bearing is loose on its shaft, or rattles, replace it. If the bearing mount is loose on the frame, tighten the mounting fasteners to the proper torque value. Replace the midship bearing assembly if the rubber cushion is deteriorated or oil-soaked.
    4. Check slip joints for spline wear by moving the sleeve-yoke and splined shaft back and forth. See Fig.. If the slip joint can be twisted in a clockwise, or counterclockwise movement greater than 0.007 inch (0.18 mm), replace both the sleeve-yoke and the splined shaft.

      Note: Attempt to move the sleeve-yoke and splined shaft back and forth.

      Fig. 5, Slip Joint Spline Wear Checking

    5. Visually examine the driveshaft tubes for dents, bends, twists, or other damage. If any tube appears to be damaged, replace it.
    6. Examine the driveshaft for evidence of missing balance weights, and for buildup of foreign material. Remove any foreign material. If there is any evidence that balance weights are missing, remove the driveshaft and have it balanced.
    7. For driveshafts with slip joints, check to be sure the yoke plug is not loose or missing. See Fig.. Repair or replace the yoke plug as needed. If the yoke plug is missing, the splined shaft may be hitting the plug and knocking it out; contact your Regional Service Office for assistance in determining the correct driveshaft length.

      Fig. 6, Slip Joint and U-Joint Lubrication

    Note:
    Parent topic: Driveline
    Document Number: 0000119329
    Manual Publication Date: 2024-05-16
    Topic Publication Date: 2024-10-31