Rear U joint replacement
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Groves, TX
Rear U joint replacement
I just recently purchased a '86 Bronco. After noticing a clunk when shifting from park to reverse, I inspected my driveline and found one cap on the rear u joint broken. Upon disconnecting the driveshaft from the axle, the broken cap fell off. I didn't find any needle bearings, just dust. After pulling the other cap off, about 1/2 of the bearings were dust also.
Anyway, I replaced the rear U joint today. While playing with old one prior to removal, it moved very freely. After I put the new one in, it's very tight. It doesn't bind. It's just tight. Is this normal or did put second cap on too tight. Both clips can be be easily removed and put back in.
Also, should I go with a 45 or 90 degree zerk fitting, or will I be able to use the staight fitting which came with the new joint in order to grease it at a later time while the shaft is still in the Bronco? (run on or comma splice sentence)
Thanks.
Anyway, I replaced the rear U joint today. While playing with old one prior to removal, it moved very freely. After I put the new one in, it's very tight. It doesn't bind. It's just tight. Is this normal or did put second cap on too tight. Both clips can be be easily removed and put back in.
Also, should I go with a 45 or 90 degree zerk fitting, or will I be able to use the staight fitting which came with the new joint in order to grease it at a later time while the shaft is still in the Bronco? (run on or comma splice sentence)
Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
They are supposed to be very tight with no slop at all. If the bearings disintegrated, then it had a lot of play in it.
I replaced my u-joints with spicer ones. They came with a straight out zerk fitting, but the hole was tapped at an angle right in the crook between the two arms of the joint. It was maybe 30 degree off center. I can only reach them when I move the driveshaft around to a certain angle.
I replaced my u-joints with spicer ones. They came with a straight out zerk fitting, but the hole was tapped at an angle right in the crook between the two arms of the joint. It was maybe 30 degree off center. I can only reach them when I move the driveshaft around to a certain angle.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 89
From: MD
TakeEm,
Sounds like you might have pressed the caps in to far.This makes the joint tight and it won't last.You don't have to take the caps out,just lay the shaft flat and hit it w/BFH and a piece of wood.Hit it so you drive the caps out against the clips.You should feel the joint free up and you'll be good.I've learned this from experience,when the joint is tight it burns up the grease and the needles fail.Like andy said you should'nt feel any slop.
Sounds like you might have pressed the caps in to far.This makes the joint tight and it won't last.You don't have to take the caps out,just lay the shaft flat and hit it w/BFH and a piece of wood.Hit it so you drive the caps out against the clips.You should feel the joint free up and you'll be good.I've learned this from experience,when the joint is tight it burns up the grease and the needles fail.Like andy said you should'nt feel any slop.
Last edited by Briansshop; Nov 19, 2005 at 08:12 AM.
