Need help with u-joints
Senior User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Just get the right u joints. If you modify they will not function long term.,Just because a "machine shop" pressed them in does not make them right.,I've owned a Tranny shop and a machine shop for 15 yrs, pls get the right ones.,God BlessJohn
The joints are "on all the way".
The joints are "on all the way".
New User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
DIY U-Joint Install / No Cotter Pin!!!
I pressed the U-joints myself using the following tool (free from O'Reillys):
KD Tools 3421 - Ball Joint Press | O'Reilly Auto Parts
It is a bit tricky and I ran into the needle bearing falling over problem. Just make sure that the cap is aligned properly before applying a bunch of pressure. I recommend wiggling the u-joint while you press in the cap to ensure that it remains free. If it starts to bind, back off and reset.
As for the cotter pin. I was still in the process of torquing everything to spec when I took those pics. Good looking out! Thanks for the heads up.
--JJ
KD Tools 3421 - Ball Joint Press | O'Reilly Auto Parts
It is a bit tricky and I ran into the needle bearing falling over problem. Just make sure that the cap is aligned properly before applying a bunch of pressure. I recommend wiggling the u-joint while you press in the cap to ensure that it remains free. If it starts to bind, back off and reset.
As for the cotter pin. I was still in the process of torquing everything to spec when I took those pics. Good looking out! Thanks for the heads up.
--JJ
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Prince George B.C Canada
I would just trying tapping them. As long as the clips are on, they shoud be on the inside of the ears. It should not take more than a light tap. If it is on the pass side it could be hung up on the rubber sleeve that covers the slip yoke. I just did my 86 Bronco yesterday, and needed a extra hand to line the joint up. I have bent the ears on axles using a press, then the fun starts try to bend them back. So now I just use my plasma cutter to cut out the cross of the u-joint, now I am ony driving out 1 cup at a time instead of 2.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,533
Likes: 17
From: SW Florida
Yup, a ball joint press can be used to change them. A vice and some metal pipe (or big impact sockets) can also be used.
I remember changing driveshaft u-joints on my F-250 right on the tailgate... no vice, no balljoint press, just hand tools. I don't remember what I used to do it, but it had to be just basic hand tools since I didn't have anything else around.
As for the needle bearings falling over... take a nice plug of grease and smear it all over the rollers. Keeps 'em stuck to the inside of the cap so they don't fall over, or end up on your floor, under the workbench, in that pile of grinding dust you've been meaning to clean up.
I remember changing driveshaft u-joints on my F-250 right on the tailgate... no vice, no balljoint press, just hand tools. I don't remember what I used to do it, but it had to be just basic hand tools since I didn't have anything else around.
As for the needle bearings falling over... take a nice plug of grease and smear it all over the rollers. Keeps 'em stuck to the inside of the cap so they don't fall over, or end up on your floor, under the workbench, in that pile of grinding dust you've been meaning to clean up.
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