Abstract: A universal joint includes an inner race, an outer race, a ball cage, and balls positioned within windows of the ball cage. One end of the ball cage extends beyond the windows further than the other end of the ball cage.

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 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 test unit is provided for operatively testing CV driveaxles. The test unit has a drive spindle connected to a motor, and a pivotable brake spindle connected to a brake. An axle under test is connected with spindle adaptors to the drive and brake spindles. During a test, the axle under test is rotated by the motor, the brake is engaged to load the axle, and the brake spindle is pivoted to flex at least the outboard CV joints. The test unit is easily adaptable for testing different axles by using spindle adaptors. An accelerometer on the bearing block of the brake spindle detects vibration generated by the axle under test.

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.