Preventive Maintenance

Failure
Yokes
Driveshaft inspection should be performed as part How to Identify Failure
of a regular maintenance routine. Normal vehicle and Probable Cause
Analysis maintenance and recognition of component
discrepancies is necessary to prevent serious
Universal Joints

Guide mechanical problems as well as driver discomfort.

Failure to perform normal maintenance may also
void the vehicle warranty.
Driveshaft Components
Bent Yoke Routine Inspection Steps
1. Check the output and input end yokes for
• Excessive torque looseness.
• Improper application 2. Check for excessive radial looseness of output/
• Improper u-joint removal input shaft.
3. Check for looseness across ends of u-joint. Burned U-Joint Cross
4. Check the slip spline for excessive radial • Lack of lubrication (improper maintenance)
movement.
• Wrong lubrication type
Genuine spicer® 5. Check the shaft for damage, bent tubing or
missing balance weights. • Improper application
components 6. Check for loose or missing plug.

Spicer® service parts are the same quality Universal Joints

used by the major OE’s to assemble new
trucks. Each component is engineered to
work together to offer quality and reliability.
Specify Genuine Spicer parts for all of your
driveshaft repairs.
How to Inspect Driveshafts
& Identify Failed Components
Failure Analysis
Component failures can result from improper
maintenance, installation or assembly procedures.
This quick reference guide assists service
technicians in recognizing component failures and
identifying probable causes.

For detailed servicing instructions, refer to Spicer

DANGER
Driveshaft Service Manual No. 3264-* or
3264-SPL for Spicer Life™ components.

Dana Holding Corporation

Spicer Service Parts
Rotating shafts can be dangerous. Fractured U-Joint
PO Box 321 You can snag clothes, skin, hair, hands, etc.
This can cause serious injury or death. • Excessive torque loads
Toledo, Ohio 43697
www.spicerparts.com Do not go under the vehicle when the • Shock loads
engine is running. • Improper application
Form #3272-2 © Dana Limited, 2008
 How to Identify Failure and
Probable Cause
Universal Joints Universal Joints Yokes Tubing

End Galling Spalling Broken Tang Half Round

Broken Weld
• Excessive u-joint operating angles • Water contamination • Improper bearing retainer bolt torque
• Shock loads
• Improper assembly procedures • Improper lube type • Improper installation
• Improper welding procedures
• Sprung or bent yoke • Lubrication failure • Strap was re-used instead of replaced
• Excessive vibration
• Lack of lubrication (improper maintenance)

Universal Joints Yokes Tubing Tube Shafts

Fractured Spline
Brinelling
Fractured Yoke Twisted Tubing • Excessive torque loads
• Excessive continuous torque loads
• Excessive torque loads • Excessive torque • Shock loads
• Seized slip yoke splines
• Shock loads • Driving into immovable object under power • Improper application
• Excessive driveline angles
• Improper application • Spinning tires that suddenly grab hold
• Sprung or bent yoke
• U-joint kit failure
• Over tightened “U” Bolts