frozen U-joint removal
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 178
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From: Denver
frozen U-joint removal
i bought an axleshaft the other day from my new favorite junkyard, and it has a U-joint frozen in it. I've been soaking it in old oil for close to a week now, and it's still stuck one way, but rotates the other. I cannot figure out how to loosen it up and get it out. I can't even get the retaining clip to come off (rust rust rust). has anyone encountered this and conquered it? I am lost. Please Help!Thanks for any hints or tricks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 2
From: Gainesville, FL
frozen U-joint removal
Dear Mr. 77,
Your in trouble! Wash the shaft of and remove all oil that you can. Get a torch and try the seized bolt method. Heat it up red hot and see if you can knock it loose with a hammer. Heat the U-joint cap not the shaft. Don't burn a hole in it yet. Save that for the ultimate disaster.
Another crazy idea is to soak it in Coke. The ascorbic acid may do a number on it. I've used Coke to get rust out of gas tanks. I think this is a whole lot different though.
PB Blaster is a great penetrating oil and would work better than oil any day.
In Summary, a hammer is your best friend now.
My Way is the Highway,
KingFisher
Your in trouble! Wash the shaft of and remove all oil that you can. Get a torch and try the seized bolt method. Heat it up red hot and see if you can knock it loose with a hammer. Heat the U-joint cap not the shaft. Don't burn a hole in it yet. Save that for the ultimate disaster.
Another crazy idea is to soak it in Coke. The ascorbic acid may do a number on it. I've used Coke to get rust out of gas tanks. I think this is a whole lot different though.
PB Blaster is a great penetrating oil and would work better than oil any day.
In Summary, a hammer is your best friend now.
My Way is the Highway,
KingFisher
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Denver
frozen U-joint removal
Oh Boy! Sounds like a good time. I made arrangements with my neighbor to use his torch. I'll go ahead and buy some PB Blaster....put me on the "not a happy camper" list.
Thanks a lot! I'll let you know how bad it is
Thanks a lot! I'll let you know how bad it is
all alone in the world
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,038
Likes: 1
From: oklahoma
frozen U-joint removal
watch that torch trick!!!! if the joint has any grease or oil in it, it may explode!!!! since the joint is frozen you may be safe, but be carefull! i have seen many worn out joints shoot a cap at you when heated.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
From: Montrose USA
frozen U-joint removal
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 14-Jun-02 AT 00:41 AM (EST)]Just a thought but have you tried a u-joint press? Available at your local parts store and worth every penny. I haven't encountered a u-joint to tough yet. Also the best penitarting oil I have ever used was a ford brand. It is black and foamy and it WORKS. The parts guy handed it to me one day and I have been hooked ever since. If you want I will look at the part number while I am in the shop tomorrow. Hope that helps.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Orange Park US
frozen U-joint removal
If you are near a Northern Tool Company, they have 12,000 lb. shop presses for sale for $99.99. I picked up one from a tool center in a flea market for $79.00 and it has been worth every penny of it. It saves alot of time.
Bronco894x4
Bronco894x4
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
From: Montrose USA
frozen U-joint removal
My can of penetrating fluid seems to have wandered off. Sorry about that. I hope that I can find it because I really wanted more when that can ran out. I will look around some more. If I find it I will post it. If you use any penetrating fluid it should work. This stuff was good because it was thick and would hang on instead of just dripping. You could always go to the store with a can and try all thiers untill they catch you and get mad. Like I said the reason this stuff worked so well is that you could put it on and it was thick and foamy instead of liquid like most. Sorry about the missing number. Good luck!
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