The trucks require a yoke as an essential component to go through the uneven roads. The yoke moves up and down and produces the torque to move the axle for wheel movement.
What is a Yoke on a Truck? A yoke is a metallic part on a truck that connects the shaft to the transmission and provides flexibility to the U-joint. You can correct the alignment of the yoke through the arrow stamped on the shaft tube and using the numbers. The slip yoke moves up and down while the fixed remains in its position. Therefore, it is better to replace the yoke when you hear the clunking sound.
You can select the quality of the yoke and replace it according to the requirement of the truck.
Where is the yoke on a truck?
The yoke is the part of the drive shaft present under the vehicles, and it connects the driveshaft to the output shaft.
If you want to locate the yoke position on your vehicle, park your vehicle and use jack stands to lift it. Now you can access its location by looking under your vehicle.
It is better to place two stands at one side for strength and balance. Next, you will see a drive shaft; go with it and find a metallic piece at its one end.
The yoke is fixed with the u-joint, and it can transmit the power to the axle. It also produces torque when the pickup is in acceleration or deceleration.
Dry shaft yoke alignment
You should take care of the alignment and phasing of the dry shaft yoke when placing it in the truck. Each end should be in the correct position with the shaft.
There is also a u-joint that adjusts it in a suitable place. Finally, you can check its phasing with the use of an inclinometer.
The minor difference in yoke angles can cause vibration and ultimately damage the vehicle. The correct position of the yoke cancels the speed fluctuations during driving.
An arrow is present inside the yoke of the tube, and if this arrow is in phase with the end of the shaft, then the yoke is in alignment.
There is another way to check the alignment of the yoke using the serial numbers. These numbers are present on the driveshaft and confirm the proper phasing of the yoke.
Faulty alignment of the yoke affects the engine. You can check its angles using smartphone applications and an inclinometer.
What is slip yoke?
The slip yoke works with the truck engine and connects its transmission with the shaft.
You can install the driveshaft by using a sprung rear axle, and it moves with the movement of the rear axle when the vehicle moves.
Slip yoke vs fixed yoke
The slip yoke moves with the movement of the axle while the fixed yoke remains fixed in its position.
The selection of the type of yoke depends on the amount of power generated from the engine. It also depends on the type and size of your vehicle.
It is better to discuss with the experts if you want to change the type of yoke present in your vehicle.
What does a slip yoke do?
A slip yoke is a part of the vehicle that transfers the power to the drive shaft. When it receives the energy, it will transmit it to the axle and wheels.
The axle moves the wheels according to the truck’s speed, and U-joint moves appropriately along with the driveshaft.
Moreover, the purpose of the yoke is to provide flex to the shaft.
As a result, the drive shaft will move without difficulty while going through the terrain surfaces.
It also provides the flexibility to the U-joint to move with the motion of the yoke.
Yoke moves the shaft in rotational and lateral motion and keeps your vehicle from damage.
Furthermore, its presence tells the condition of the path and warns you by producing clunking noise.
How do you measure a dry shaft yoke?
It is necessary to take its correct measurement to fit it to the driveshaft and U-joint. Yoke works efficiently and produces torque when you adjust it according to its size.
If you do not use it according to its specified size, you will face problems while driving your pickup on bumpy roads.
You can measure it by using a simple ruler. There are 1310 and 1350 yoke for the small size and large size trick, respectively.
Take a yoke measuring ruler, or you can download it from the internet and print it. Now take the dry driveshaft yoke and put it on the table.
In case of a full round yoke, measure the outside of the flange, and you will have the reading.
Note the reading and select the appropriate U-joint for attachment. Next, put the ruler on the hole to measure the wing-style yoke.
Put the ruler inside the diameter of the pilot and look carefully that it is over each opposing boat hole. You will get the result on the right-hand side of the measuring ruler.
How do you fix a leaky yoke?
One reason for the leaking of the transmission fluid is the improper parking of the vehicle. For example, when you park your pickup truck in a way that its front side is higher than the rear side.
As a result, it causes stress on the driveshaft that ultimately causes to leak of the transmission fluid.
However, you can fix it by placing the yoke seal that keeps the transmission fluid inside while it moves inside and out.
Sometimes this seal also leaks because it is the part that has to stand against the rotational and lateral movement of the shaft.
It is better to replace the leaky seal with the new one. Moreover, this leakage from the yoke can occur after replacing the seal.
When you separate the yoke from the truck, you will see a weep hole that relieves the pressure when you go through hilly areas.
When the yoke moves back and forth, it produces pressure. Fluid can come out of the weep hole when you park your truck on uneven surfaces, mainly uphill.
The failure of the output shaft o-ring of the yoke allows the fluids to move outside. It is due to the presence of a worn-out O-ring in the center of the u-joint.
It is better to replace it with an excellent quality sealer and o-ring to fix the leakage. You can also do it by replacing the cracked and worn-out yoke.
What are the indicators to replace the yoke?
Many causes affect the function of the yoke. You can replace it when you find the problem to protect your vehicle from further damage.
A faulty yoke causes vibration in the floor bed when you do not place the yoke properly.
In addition, an old and worn-out U-joint makes the yoke not work efficiently, and you will feel a vibration.
It happens when the yoke ears are not concentric with the splines.
The misalignment of the driveshaft yoke angle limits it to flex when going through the rough and terrain paths.
Your vehicle floor will vibrate when you drive with the misaligned yoke.
Sometimes, drivers feel this issue even when they drive on smooth roads.
If this issue happens repeatedly, it can damage the body of the yoke.
The metal rubs with the nearby parts and gets scratches. You should replace it with the new one for smooth driving in this situation.
You will hear the squeezing and clunking sound when your truck is under acceleration or deceleration. This sound occurs when the drive shaft becomes dry and does not pass the transmission.
It also means that yoke is not providing flex to the shaft and U-joint.
You can fix this issue by using oil and lubricate the area. However, it is better to replace the yoke if it does not work correctly.
One of the main reasons to replace it is the cracks.
The torque-producing ability of the yoke decreases when its metallic body starts cracking due to stress.
There will be an issue when it rotates, so many professionals recommend replacing it as soon as possible to avoid damage to the drive shaft.
Worn-out axles can also affect the working of the yoke.
The axle transmits the power to the wheels to move on the roads when you start the truck.
Sometimes the transmission can twist it and disable it to transfer the energy for the rotation of wheels. You should replace the twisted yoke for a better drive at high speed.
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