Abstract: A tool is provided for assembling cross groove constant velocity universal joints. The assembly tool comprises a cup having an open end and a base opposite the open end. The open end has an inwardly tapered rim. The dimension between the base and the rim is established to align tracks of the inner race of the universal joint with the rim. A ball cage is held in position surrounding the inner race, and balls are inserted on the rim, in the cage, and against the inner race so that they are adequately engaged in the inner race for assembly. When all of the balls are positioned in tracks of the inner race, and within the cage, an outer race is brought into position over the rim. The rim is tapered such that a sufficient periphery of the balls is exposed above the rim for engagement with tracks of the outer race. The assemblage is then inverted, allowing the inner race to drop into the outer race, carrying the balls along the tracks and the cage with the balls.

Abstract: A computerized gauge for efficiently measuring surface profiles of tracks of constant velocity joints in order to detect defects in the surfaces when rebuilding CV joints. The race is mounted on a support adapted for movement along a translation axis, and a follower is biased into contact with the race along a deflection axis generally orthogonal to the translation axis. An interface ball on the follower, of a size compatible with the track when used in a CV joint, is caused to traverse the track from one end to another while a sequence of data points are recorded indicating the position of the center of the interface ball as it traverses the track. A regressive curve-fitting technique determines a best-fit curve to the set of data points, and a comparison between the data points and a best-fit curve identifies defects in the tested track.

Abstract: A spline counting mechanism for determining the number of splines on a shaft. The spline counting mechanism includes a plunger urged into engagement with the shaft and adapted to be rotated with respect to the shaft. The plunger is adapted to engage each spline on the shaft as the plunger is rotated through one revolution and is operable to establish and cut off electrical continuity in an electrical circuit as the plunger rotates into engagement with and then beyond each spline. The mechanism further includes a digital counter for counting and displaying the number of times that electrical continuity is established in the electrical circuit, this number being equal to the number of splines on the shaft.