U-joint Assembly Problem
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
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U-joint Assembly Problem
I've just installed new u-joints on my '95 Bronco but have not yet re-installed the driveshaft into the vehicle.
I had a bit of trouble recessing the cap on one of the u-joints deep enough to insert the retaining clip. I had to pound it a couple of pretty good licks with a socket and 4lb. hammer to get the clearance necessary to install the retaining clip.
That particular u-joint is much stiffer and seems like there's a catch in it when it is rotated. I'm wondering if something went wrong during the assembly. I coated all of the needle bearings with synthetic grease to make sure they didn't fall inside during the assembly process.
Is it possible to install a u-joint with a needle bearing that has gotten out of place and gotten pressed into the back of the cap? I've read somewhere before that if you can't push the cap far enough in to insert the retaining ring, a needle bearing is probably causing the problem.
I got it assembled, but it sure feels a lot different than all of the other u-joints. Anybody had a similar experience?
I had a bit of trouble recessing the cap on one of the u-joints deep enough to insert the retaining clip. I had to pound it a couple of pretty good licks with a socket and 4lb. hammer to get the clearance necessary to install the retaining clip.
That particular u-joint is much stiffer and seems like there's a catch in it when it is rotated. I'm wondering if something went wrong during the assembly. I coated all of the needle bearings with synthetic grease to make sure they didn't fall inside during the assembly process.
Is it possible to install a u-joint with a needle bearing that has gotten out of place and gotten pressed into the back of the cap? I've read somewhere before that if you can't push the cap far enough in to insert the retaining ring, a needle bearing is probably causing the problem.
I got it assembled, but it sure feels a lot different than all of the other u-joints. Anybody had a similar experience?
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 687
Likes: 80
If a needle was crossed up like you describe, you would not have been able to get the clip on. I would take that one apart to inspect though. It should not bind. Do you have a vise big enough to press he cups in? It really is a much better way of doing it as compared with the BFH.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Either that or rent a ball joint press from autozone. They double as a u-joint press, and it makes the job a LOT easier.
It sounds to me like one of the needle bearings fell out of place. It happens easy enough.
It sounds to me like one of the needle bearings fell out of place. It happens easy enough.
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
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Ujoint Problem Solved
Thanks to all those that responded to my problem.
I took the u-joint apart and guess what, one of the needle bearings had fallen into the bottom of the cap during the assembly process.
Contrary to popular belief, I'm living proof that you can put the retaining clip in with a stray needle bearing. I must have jarred it loose during the hammering process. If my woodworking vice had been able to handle the job, this probably wouldn't have happened.
Anyway, I took a needle bearing out of one of my old u-joints (which are still good) and put it in the new one. This isn't what I would normally do, but the closest parts store that has the u-joints is almost 100 miles away.
I took the u-joint apart and guess what, one of the needle bearings had fallen into the bottom of the cap during the assembly process.
Contrary to popular belief, I'm living proof that you can put the retaining clip in with a stray needle bearing. I must have jarred it loose during the hammering process. If my woodworking vice had been able to handle the job, this probably wouldn't have happened.
Anyway, I took a needle bearing out of one of my old u-joints (which are still good) and put it in the new one. This isn't what I would normally do, but the closest parts store that has the u-joints is almost 100 miles away.
