Genuine Mazda B2000 Universal Joints

Mazda B2000 Universal Joints Parts and Q&A

• Universal Joints
  P033-25-060B
  Q: What driveshaft and universal joints were used, and how did they change on Mazda B2000?

  A:

  After 1976, all models have a 2-piece driveshaft, but some 1977 and later models have a one-piece driveshaft with U-joints at both ends. The front shaft, rear shaft, center support bearing, U-joints and yokes are parts of the 2-piece assembly. The rear flange is then attached to the rear axle connector in form of a companion flange, and the front to the mainshaft, through a sliding yoke. The design permits fore-aft motion of the driveshaft when the truck is in a vertical state the center of which is sustained by a bearing on the lower part of the vehicle.
• Universal Joints
  0604-25-060A
  Q: How to overhaul universal joints in a driveshaft on Mazda B2000?

  A:

  In order to conduct an overhaul, start with removing the driveshaft. When disassembling the front yoke, matchmark the driveshaft and sliding splined yoke so that there is balance in the driveline on reassembly, then remove snaprings that hold the bearing caps. Take two sockets; one small enough to pass through the holes of the yoke to the bearings caps and the other one to be a large socket that will take the bearing cap. Install the sockets on either side of the U-joint in the vise or press, then squeeze the smaller socket in a bid to force the other bearing cap out into the larger socket. In the event that the cap is not completely removed, pliers are used to pull it off. Invert the sockets and squeeze the other bearing cap. The same with the other bearings. To install, wipe the bearing caps and needles with a lot of grease in case they are not already greased and then take a new bearing cap and begin it into one side of the yoke and put the cross in place. Press the bearing cap into the yoke surface a little to fit its socket with two appropriately sized sockets, should there be resistance of any sort, dislodging the cross binds, then the bearings are not correctly aligned and will have to be re-inserted and repositioned, otherwise the life of the bearings will be shortened. Install another snapring and began another bearing on the other side pushing it until it fits the snapring and another snapring and this time with a little grinding to fit. Install the other bearings in the same manner, and test the joint by seeing that it moves freely; in case it is binding a slight stroke with a hammer of brass or plastic will fit the needles of the bearings without hitting the bearings and hold the shaft firmly in place. Installation of driveshaft should be done only after all joints can freely move. Lastly, tighten the nut securing the yoke, and the bearing to the front connection to 115-130 ft. lbs.