US Patent 7179172 Universal joint

A universal joint having a cross-member journal or trunnion with a lubrication chamber includes a combination of a thrust washer and lubrication baffle press fit into the lubrication chamber. The thrust washer and lubrication baffle incorporate one or more lubrication grooves, facilitating the flow of lubricant between the surfaces of the cross-member and bearing cap. Elastomeric properties of the thrust washer eliminate the need for grinding of the journal surfaces to desired tolerances, while incorporation of lubrication grooves into the thrust washer surface eliminates the need for pressing of lubrication grooves directly into the journal ends prior to hardening or heat treating.