Front Axle U-joints
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Front Axle U-joints
I know I'm gonna' feel stupid. I have a '90 full size Bronco, the u-joint on the right (passenger) side is shot. I clangs and clanks every slight bump. So I went and bought a new one, here's the problem.
I removed the wheel, brake caliper, and the hub end (the 6 allen screws). Then I removed the snap ring on the end of the splined shaft, but after that nothing else would come out or off. After removing the snap ring, what is the secret to getting the bearings and everything out? It doesn't appear to be threaded so I can't screw it off, I knocked the studs out but that only made the rotor fall back of the hub. I'm determined to do this myself and any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Phil
philtwaters@shaw.ca
I removed the wheel, brake caliper, and the hub end (the 6 allen screws). Then I removed the snap ring on the end of the splined shaft, but after that nothing else would come out or off. After removing the snap ring, what is the secret to getting the bearings and everything out? It doesn't appear to be threaded so I can't screw it off, I knocked the studs out but that only made the rotor fall back of the hub. I'm determined to do this myself and any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Phil
philtwaters@shaw.ca
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You have to have a special spindle socket to remove the nuts holding the disc on. The socket costs like 50 dollars, which is ridiculous, but that's the deal. Is it the u joint on the inside of the axle or the outside? Hopefully the outside for your times sake. I have the socket you need if you don't want to buy it and are unable to rent it, where are you located? The socket has 4 tabs that stick out and there are 4 slots in a round threaded ring, that is your spindle nut.
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One other thing, do you have access to a hydraulic press? it makes the job a lot easier.... You can do it just fine with a u joint press that uses an impact wrench or large ratchet, or in a decent sized vise. If you are changing one, make sure there is no play in the others, as it is much easier to do everything at once.
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Check and see how much the sockets are at your local auto parts store. It is a socket for a four wheel drive spindle nut, it is a really nice thing to have. If you ever need to grease your bearings, replace them, replace your discs, or change another joint you will need the socket. Make sure if you get one that it is for the front, not the back, or else it won't fit around the spindle. Often times if you need it for one time use, they will let you borrow the socket and return it when you are done if you leave collateral. Check that out first and see what they say.
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From: Hoboken, NJ...
here you can see the socket in use
and here you can see the nut it has to access
heres one for like $30
http://www.etoolcart.com/index.asp?PageAction=PRODSEARCH&txtSearch=Dana+44+ hub+socket&btnSearch=GO&Page=1
here is a good write up
http://www.keystonekrawlers.com/Mods/Jeep/DANA44%20Hub/dana44_hub_rebuild.htm
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From: Hoboken, NJ...
Originally Posted by jb1390
nice pics. did you take those yourself, or is there an on line manual somewhere?
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Originally Posted by jb1390
One other thing, do you have access to a hydraulic press? it makes the job a lot easier.... You can do it just fine with a u joint press that uses an impact wrench or large ratchet, or in a decent sized vise. If you are changing one, make sure there is no play in the others, as it is much easier to do everything at once.
By the way, all the other u-joints are tight, as is the transfer case and front diff. Just one REALLY bad u-joint.
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Originally Posted by jb1390
Check and see how much the sockets are at your local auto parts store. It is a socket for a four wheel drive spindle nut, it is a really nice thing to have. If you ever need to grease your bearings, replace them, replace your discs, or change another joint you will need the socket. Make sure if you get one that it is for the front, not the back, or else it won't fit around the spindle. Often times if you need it for one time use, they will let you borrow the socket and return it when you are done if you leave collateral. Check that out first and see what they say.
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From: Hoboken, NJ...
Originally Posted by re_fill
I phoned a few local tool rental and parts stores, and they asked for a size. I told them it is a Dana 44 hub socket. That means nothing to them, they need a size. Not much help, a tool like that doesn't HAVE a SIZE, it is for one use only. I'm starting to think this project may be a little more trouble than it's worth. How much can a shop gouge (er charge) for this, as well as replacing or re-packing the wheel bearings?
Just go to AutoZone or whatever your local parts place they will have it for cheep. I am also very sure Sears or the Snap-On truck would also have it. Oh....and it does come in a "size" I just dont recall it right now.
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I'll try Sears or maybe pull over the next Snap-On truck I see, the local "experts" in auto parts and supplies (Lordco) as well as a local tool rental place said they need a size. It would be difficult to measure it where it is now.