Rubber sleeve on 4WD driveshaft

[quicksandfarmer]

I have a Jinma 354. Recently I drove over a rock that was just a fraction higher than my ground clearance. The front axle cleared it but it got hung up on the driveshaft for the 4WD and peeled off the rubber sleeve on the driveshaft and the clamps that hold it in place.

So I need to replace the rubber sleeve. I assume that means taking the driveshaft off. How do I do that? How is it attached at the ends? Where do I start?


Also, is there any danger in operating without the sleeve until I can get it replaced?

Thanks.

 

[RonMar]

The danger is of contaminating the grease and balls inside the cover.

Not specifically familliar with your tractor, but you most likley have a telescoping outer cover. Once the end clamps and boots are released, I think you will find a cup and ball type "CV" joint on each end of the driveshaft. One end has a 6 point spline, the other end has a 6 grooved cup that is spring loaded. These ends plug into or slip over their counterparts on the front diff and the transfer case output shaft. One end of the driveshaft is spring loaded(cup end). Once the cover is retracted, compress the spring loaded end of the driveshaft to slip it off of it's mated component. Each spline-cup pair has 6 large ball bearings that keep one part from turning inside the other and transfer torque while still allowing flexibility. As soon as you compress the spring loaded part, those balls will want to fall out. Don't loose them, so I would reccomend doing this in a garage, or if on the dirt, spread out a tarp so they don't get away from you. Once one end is free, the other end should just pull out and the driveshaft and cover are yours to work with. Once the new boot is in place, clean out the first cup, put insome thick axle grease to hold the balls in their slots while you insert the splined shaft. Do the same thing on the retractable cup to hold the balls in place while you retract it to fit over it's associated spline. Then re-install the telescoping cover and tighten the clamps...

 

[Rich Waugh]

Ron covered it perfectly. That's the way my 304 Jinma is set up and you may have to put a jack under the front end and lift a bit to get the front end of the drive shaft out. However, I think you ought to be able to replace the rubber sleeve with only the rear end of the driveshaft dropped - there's enough wiggle room, if I recall correctly. Have a tarp down and a magnet to find the balls - been there, done that.:thumbsup: