FRONT U-JOINT REPLACEMENT
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
When you get to the spindle removal, I use a brass hammer and tap the spindle on all sides until it breaks free. I hit the spindle in between where the bearings ride. With a brass hammer you dont damage anything. You do need to be careful not to hit on the fine threads on the end. Dont try to get it all at once. Hit on all sides until it frees up, sometimes it is easy other times it's not.
You do not need to loosen ball joints
You do not need to loosen ball joints
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,764
Likes: 39
I don't understand why any one would give that kind of advice to a novice... 
If you hit the spindle with anything ,without a way to make sure it is still round when you re assemble it , you are asking for trouble .. If you don't have the proper tool for this , DO NOT HIT THE SPINDLE WITH ANYTHING, use a chisel behind the flange ..
If you hit the spindle with anything ,without a way to make sure it is still round when you re assemble it , you are asking for trouble .. If you don't have the proper tool for this , DO NOT HIT THE SPINDLE WITH ANYTHING, use a chisel behind the flange ..
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
Don't use a chisel between the knuckle and the spindle. Those are precision machined surface and you will cause deformation of either the spindle and or knuckle.
here is an article that will explain everything. They use a metal hammer and a magazine to protect the spindle for me I use a large dead blow hammer and no magazine.
just don't hit the threaded area of the spindle or the area where the bearings ride. to locate the bearing riding location then you will take your inner and outer bearing and place them on the spindle and where they stop is where they ride.
1997 Ford F350 Axle Repair - Dana 60 Front Axle - Diesel Power Magazine
here is an article that will explain everything. They use a metal hammer and a magazine to protect the spindle for me I use a large dead blow hammer and no magazine.
just don't hit the threaded area of the spindle or the area where the bearings ride. to locate the bearing riding location then you will take your inner and outer bearing and place them on the spindle and where they stop is where they ride.
1997 Ford F350 Axle Repair - Dana 60 Front Axle - Diesel Power Magazine
Thread Starter
|
Disabled USMC Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 637
Likes: 2
From: Pilot Point, TX
yeah, the chisel thing didn't even budge it ( i wasn't trying too hard, as i didn't want to damage anything), so i think i'll just stick to beating the crap outta it! 
(not on the threads of course)
(not on the threads of course)
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,764
Likes: 39
This is silly....You must have never done this before 36 908 ...
If you do not have the proper tool to hit the spindle , do not hit it . the surface behind the spindle can be repaired with a grinder. GMAB .... Precision 
If you do not have the proper tool to hit the spindle , do not hit it . the surface behind the spindle can be repaired with a grinder. GMAB .... Precision
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,764
Likes: 39
Other wise , use a chisel ...It is far from a precision surface ....
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,764
Likes: 39
Yeah I have never done it before...that’s why I am giving this guy advice. You show me a technical manual from ford, Chevy, or dodge showing you taking the spindle off with a chisel then I will tell you that your right, until then you are wrong. If you use a steel harmer then you can f*&% up the spindle if you use a brass or dead blow hammer then you won't. 20 lb sledge bad, dead blow or brass good. You GMAB on precision. those surface on the back of the spindle and knukle are machined surfaces. All the spindles I have ever taken off never have a dig or nick from a hammer from taking them off.
.. Don't give me the manual says BS ...
.. The manual doesn't take into consideration ,real world conditions ..I'm glad you came along to straighten me out on proper procedure ...(since I have only done it 100 times )
Pound away ....
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: Sayreville, NJ
Yup, take a nice THIN WIDE chisel and tap between where the 2 pieces mate to each other. It will come off with no damage. Watch and rotate your chisel around the mating surface as you go. Hi Rick, how are you doin?? My excavating business only moves snow this time of year. I forgot what dirt looks like and what color dirt is. I think it is all white now.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Well, I hope the original poster at least realizes there are a couple of methods to get the spindle off before all of this BS. My offer of a brass hammer is just how I do it. If you happen to be in NE Pa I will come take it off for you.
I too am a bit insulted by the response of Action.
I dont pretend to be an expert or anything, learning never ends, but, as it seems everyone has tell how long we have been wrenching, I have been working our shop with my father for 30 years and he has ben there since the beginning of time. We have never damaged a spindle that I can remeber, some we have had to use heat on, but that comes with experience as to know when to use the heat, generally it is not needed. As far as buying the proper tool goes, I think dad says it best, "there are parts installer and then there are mechaincs". If you are a tool junkie and want to run to the snap on truck for every speciality tool they make you can't afford to be a back yard mechanic (if you can good for you!), hell we couldnt afford to be in buisness for this long.
I too am a bit insulted by the response of Action.
I dont pretend to be an expert or anything, learning never ends, but, as it seems everyone has tell how long we have been wrenching, I have been working our shop with my father for 30 years and he has ben there since the beginning of time. We have never damaged a spindle that I can remeber, some we have had to use heat on, but that comes with experience as to know when to use the heat, generally it is not needed. As far as buying the proper tool goes, I think dad says it best, "there are parts installer and then there are mechaincs". If you are a tool junkie and want to run to the snap on truck for every speciality tool they make you can't afford to be a back yard mechanic (if you can good for you!), hell we couldnt afford to be in buisness for this long.
Thread Starter
|
Disabled USMC Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 637
Likes: 2
From: Pilot Point, TX
ok guys put the tape measure away. if it works without damage go with it. everyone has their own preference and it dont matter as long as the job gets done the same way. and for the record, i used a magazine around the spindle AND a screwdriver to pry it off after it broke free. now back to the original topic, as far as the ujoint, a small socket and hammer should just pop it out right?