Astro Van AWD V6-4.3L VIN X (2003)
10. If you are replacing the front universal joint (rear axle only), remove the bearing cups in the slip yoke in the same manner.
11. Inspect the retaining ring grooves for plastic.
12. Inspect the bearing cup bores for burrs or imperfections.
13. Clean the remains of the sheared plastic bearing retainers from the grooves in the yoke.
14. The sheared plastic may prevent the bearing cups from being pressed into place and thus prevent the bearing retainers from being properly seated.
Installation Procedure
1. Remove the bearing cups from the new universal joint journals.
2. Coat the needle bearings in the bearing cups with a thin layer of chassis grease. Use your finger to apply the grease.
3. Install one bearing cup part way into one side of the yoke.
4. Turn the yoke ear towards the bottom.
5. Install the cross into the yoke so that the trunnion seats freely into the bearing cup.
6. With the trunnion seated in the bearing cup, press the bearing cup into the yoke until it is flush with the yoke ear.
