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 tool for installing and aligning a bearing cap in a universal joint so as to position an end surface of the bearing cap a predetermined distance above the outer surface of the arm of the end yoke is generally cup-shaped, including a generally flat, circular end portion having a hollow cylindrical skirt portion. The skirt portion defines an inner diameter which is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the bearing cap. The skirt portion also defines an axial length which is equal to the desired predetermined distance. A cut-out may be formed in a portion of the tool to receive a spring tab or other axial retaining structure for the bearing cap. Also, one or more apertures may be formed in the end portion of the tool to receive anti-rotation protrusions formed on the end surface of the bearing cap. The universal joint is assembled by initially disposing the tool over the end surface of the bearing cap such that the inner surface of the end portion abuts the outer end surface of the bearing cap.

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.