Replacing front axle U-joints?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,484
Likes: 7
From: New Egypt, New Jersey
Replacing front axle U-joints?
I need to replace the passenger side front axle U-joint on my 1979 F-150 4WD.
I already know how to remove the hub, rotor, etc., but I've never removed a front axle shaft, or front axle U-joint before. (I'm only guessing that I have to remove the axle shaft to replace the U-joint?)
I just would like to know what I'm getting into before I attempt this project.
What is involved in removing the axle shaft itself?
Do I have to replace "all" the seals? which ones?
Is it difficult to re-install the shaft?
Thanks in advance for any help you could provide.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 851
Likes: 1
Once you remove the Hub and all, You'll have 5 bolts on the Spindle and backing plate in place. I use a screw driver to gently pry around the spindle til it comes loose, Once that is removed the axle will pull right out in your hands. Swap the u-joint like you would any other and slide axle back in. I haven't had to replace any seals from a U-joint swap. Just Besure to replace the Needle bearings found the the back of the spindle. Since you already know how to get thru the hubs and stuff the hard and timely part is out of the way. I can usually swap a front joint in about an hour or so.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 3
From: Cleveland, WI USA
Take a look at my TECH ARTICLE for doing this exact thing.
It has step by step instructions and photos.
Note:
It's not reccomended to use a hammer to remove the joints, but at the time, I didn't have a large vice or press. Although it did work without a problem.
It's actually a pretty simple project once you get the brake backing plate/spindle off. That can be a bear.
Good luck.
Kevin K.
It has step by step instructions and photos.
Note:
It's not reccomended to use a hammer to remove the joints, but at the time, I didn't have a large vice or press. Although it did work without a problem.
It's actually a pretty simple project once you get the brake backing plate/spindle off. That can be a bear.
Good luck.
Kevin K.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 987
Likes: 3
From: Bass Lake, CA
a note of caution...
what i went thru on my 78 was a nightmare...
i also had to replace my u joiunts. after the job was done, drove my truck about ~150 miles over the next few weeks. one day while cruisin about ~50mph, one of the cups flew off, and ended up destroyinh two axles (inner/outer) on the pass side.
bought new axles, new joint, put it all together ( i am no newbie, it was done correctly, and with spicer parts) then the other side lost a cup!!!!
so, i get the drivers side all better, with new axles, and a few weeks later the pass side threw another cup!!!!
i was able to limp home, and not beat the ball joints up, or damage the axles....
after replacing the last u joint, i tack welded each cup to the axle. the cups will NEVER fly off again!!!!!
i highly recommend you check into tack welding them, it does not hurt them, and u still can replace the joints later if needed, were talking a very small tack weld, like the size of a pea....
anyhoo, good luck with it, and think of us while trying to remove the spindle bearings from the spindles! :evil:
what i went thru on my 78 was a nightmare...
i also had to replace my u joiunts. after the job was done, drove my truck about ~150 miles over the next few weeks. one day while cruisin about ~50mph, one of the cups flew off, and ended up destroyinh two axles (inner/outer) on the pass side.
bought new axles, new joint, put it all together ( i am no newbie, it was done correctly, and with spicer parts) then the other side lost a cup!!!!
so, i get the drivers side all better, with new axles, and a few weeks later the pass side threw another cup!!!!
i was able to limp home, and not beat the ball joints up, or damage the axles....
after replacing the last u joint, i tack welded each cup to the axle. the cups will NEVER fly off again!!!!!
i highly recommend you check into tack welding them, it does not hurt them, and u still can replace the joints later if needed, were talking a very small tack weld, like the size of a pea....
anyhoo, good luck with it, and think of us while trying to remove the spindle bearings from the spindles! :evil:
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,484
Likes: 7
From: New Egypt, New Jersey
Thank you so much for all your help!
You've definately built my confidence level up to the point where I now think this is something I tackle.
Kevin, You did a great job on that tech article! It will help me out a lot. Thanks!
I have one last question before I "jump in"
...........I'm kind of unclear on why the removal of the differential cover is needed.
Is this just to inspect for worn parts while you have everything else torn down? To replace worn inner seals? Or to re-align the spline on the shaft when re-installing?
Thanks again!
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 3
From: Cleveland, WI USA
I removed the dif cover only to drain the fluid. If you don't, as soon as you pull the axle out, all the lube will fill the axle tube, and that's messy!
It's not a bad idea to shop-vac out the axle tubes, too. Especially if you go off-road at all. They usually get filled with sand & dirt. And, there's no way to get the axle back in without getting it all full of dirt.
Good luck.
Kevin K.
It's not a bad idea to shop-vac out the axle tubes, too. Especially if you go off-road at all. They usually get filled with sand & dirt. And, there's no way to get the axle back in without getting it all full of dirt.
Good luck.
Kevin K.
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