U-Joint
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,724
Likes: 0
From: Clarksburg WV
I dunno about these things, but when I did the U-joints on my Thunderbird I just used a C-clamp and a socket (to press the caps out and press in the new caps). I figure these should be kinda similar.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: Conway, AR
A hydraulic press is your friend for this job, those little harbor freight cheapies are perfect for this. Barring that, a REAL STOUT vice can do the trick ( note emphisis, I tore up the threads on the main screw on a 8" vice once trying to get those stinking stock ujoints out of a 3/4 ton chevy with the stupid plastic factory set pins once ) and many have had luck with the big clamp type tools . Regular c clamps are a hit and miss, I've snapped a few in half in years past doing that.
After getting together, give a few sharp whacks with a big hammer on the ends of theloops around the caps to get them to settle in so they don't bind
If you've never done it before or personally watched, it might be worth your money to take it to a machine shop and pay them, and ask if you can watch how it's done for next time. If you lay a roller down inside a cap ( easy to do ) you may wind up with problems, and if you get a cap in a bind, there too.
After getting together, give a few sharp whacks with a big hammer on the ends of theloops around the caps to get them to settle in so they don't bind
If you've never done it before or personally watched, it might be worth your money to take it to a machine shop and pay them, and ask if you can watch how it's done for next time. If you lay a roller down inside a cap ( easy to do ) you may wind up with problems, and if you get a cap in a bind, there too.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: York, PA
like mentioned i got a large heavy c-clamp tool from a chain parts store. it has all the fittings in a plastic molded box.
http://www.autozone.com/in_our_store...oint_press.htm
i changed out the joint in my shaft where it meets the rear axle in about 15 mins. i didnt even bother dropping the shaft for that one.
just make sure you clean up the yokes good before you slip in the new joint and make sure the needles are straight in the cap. if one falls over or dirt gets in the joint it wont last at all.
you can also do the hammer and socket trick to get them out, i have done it but dont reccommend it. you can bend, crack or stress the bearings or yokes this way. rent to tool or press and life will be much easier.
http://www.autozone.com/in_our_store...oint_press.htm
i changed out the joint in my shaft where it meets the rear axle in about 15 mins. i didnt even bother dropping the shaft for that one.
just make sure you clean up the yokes good before you slip in the new joint and make sure the needles are straight in the cap. if one falls over or dirt gets in the joint it wont last at all.
you can also do the hammer and socket trick to get them out, i have done it but dont reccommend it. you can bend, crack or stress the bearings or yokes this way. rent to tool or press and life will be much easier.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
i would jsut take it to a local garage and have them replace it. it only costed my 30 bucks and beats having to buy another u joint and ultimately goign to the local garage anyway because of me installing it wrong. its just easier and sometimes cheaper to take it to the experts
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
Likes: 1
From: Manitoba
Always mark both halves of a U joint so they goback together as they came apart... not doing this can cause many hours of diagnosing a vibration that appeared after the job was done... Have you gone to Azone online mechanical help section...... could be what you need there.....
