Center Bearing

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. After making mating marks on the front propeller (drive) shaft, center yoke and rear propeller shaft, remove the needle bearing of the center yoke. Then disconnect the front and rear propeller shaft.
2. Remove the nut holding the center yoke and remove the yoke from the center bearing.
3. Gently pry the bearing bracket from the bearing assembly.
4. Use a gear puller or similar tool to remove the bearing.

   NOTE: The center bracket and mounting rubber attaching band are spot-welded on the circumference and therefore can not be disassembled.

   To install:

5. Fill the bearing grease cavity with multi-purpose grease.
6. Partially insert the center bearing into the shaft and install the bracket to the bearing.
7. Check that the bracket mounting rubber is correctly seated in the bearing groove.
8. Refit the center yoke, making sure to align the notch on the yoke with the notch on the front driveshaft. Use a new attaching nut and tighten it to 157–215 Nm (116–159 ft. lbs).

   WARNING
   The center yoke and center bearing bracket locknuts are self-locking nuts, which must be replaced with new parts.

9. Reinstall the center universal joint, making sure to align the matchmarks of the rear driveshaft with the notch in the yoke.

   Fig. 1: Center driveshaft bearing removal and installation — 1983–95 Pick-ups

   Fig. 2: Use a gear puller to remove the center bearing from the driveshaft — 1983–95 Pick-ups

   Fig. 3: With your finger, apply grease to the bearing cup (black area shown in the illustration) — 1983–95 Pick-ups

   Fig. 4: When reinstalling the universal joint yoke to the driveshaft, make sure that the matchmarks are aligned — 1983–95 Pick-ups