1526-25 Weld Tube Yoke 1551-20 Series, Fits: 2.500×0.065, Butt Dia: 2.375 , Centerline To Weld: 1.750

Q: What Mazda applications use the 1526-25 weld yoke?
A: The 1526-25 is a 1551-20 series OEM-spec weld yoke for Mazda rear-wheel-drive and AWD applications using a 2.500" tube at 0.065" wall. The 1551-20 series is a light-duty specification used on Mazda passenger cars and compact trucks. Specific model fitment should be confirmed against your Mazda application's driveshaft tube OD and wall thickness.

Q: How does the 2.375" butt diameter relate to the 2.500" tube OD?
A: The butt diameter is the OD of the yoke's stepped pilot section that inserts into the tube bore. The 0.125" step-down (2.500" tube OD minus 2.375" butt) equals a 0.065" wall thickness on each side -- the pilot fills the bore precisely, self-centering the yoke before tack welding. This is the standard bore-to-pilot relationship for a flush-weld yoke design.

Q: Can I substitute a 7260-series yoke for the 1551-20 on a Mazda shaft?
A: Not directly -- the 1551-20 U-joint cap diameter is sized differently than the 7260 series. The U-joint cap bore in the yoke ears must match the cap OD of the U-joint being installed. Using a mismatched series yoke with a different-series U-joint will cause the caps to either rattle loose or bind, accelerating needle bearing failure within weeks of service.