Abstract: A centering device for a double Cardan universal joint is comprised of a disc-shaped body having a first and second annular face and an annular rim extending about a central axis. A first hollowed protrusion is centrally located on the first annular face, and a second hollowed protrusion is centrally located on the second annular face. A plurality of bearings are built into the disc-shaped body, extending circumferentially about the central axis. The bearings may be contained within two races, with one race located on each annular face, or the bearings may be contained within holes or slots built into the disc-shaped body.

Abstract: A method for installing or removing a bearing cup on a universal joint with the assistance of a tool is disclosed. The universal joint is of the type having a yoke including a pair of opposed arms which have inner surfaces facing each other. Each of the arms has an opening for receiving a bearing cup. The tool has a pair of contact surfaces which are spaced apart from one another by a distance which is approximately equal to the distance between the inner surfaces of the arms. To install the bearing cup, the tool is positioned between the arms so that the contact surfaces of the tool respectively abut the inner surfaces of the arms. The bearing cup is then pressed into the opening of one of the arms such that the tool prevents the pair of opposed arms from deflecting in a direction towards one another. Preferably, a cross having a pair of opposed trunnions is positioned between the arms so that the bearing cup is mounted on one of the trunnions when the bearing cup is pressed in the opening.

Abstract: A cross groove variety of constant velocity universal joint includes an inner race having a plurality of grooves formed in an outer surface thereof and an outer race having a plurality of grooves formed in an inner surface thereof. For each pair of associated inner and outer race grooves, the inner race groove is inclined in one direction relative to the rotational axis of the joint, while the outer race groove is inclined in the opposite direction. A ball is disposed in each of the associated inner and outer race grooves for providing a driving connection between the inner and outer races. A cage is provided with openings for retaining the balls in the grooves. The cage openings are formed having angled side walls which open up toward the center of the joint. The angled side walls are effective to position the point of contact between the balls and the angled side walls away from a lower edge surface of the cage.

Abstract: A unique boot retainer for use in a constant velocity universal joint includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially inwardly extending resilient tabs. The tabs snap into a groove at an outer peripheral surface of an outer race to provide a positive abutment, properly positioning the retainer and the boot relative to the outer race. The unique construction simplifies assembly of the boot and retainer to the outer race.