U-Joints

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Apr 10, 2008 | 10:54 PM

dantsg

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From: Miami Lakes, Fl

U-Joints

Is there an expected life span for the U-joints / driveshaft?

Apr 10, 2008 | 11:26 PM

Club Wagon

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How gentle or severe the service U-joints are exposed to has much more to do with their "expected life span" than miles or years. Driveshafts tend to be extremely durable & most replacements are from getting banged up, not wear.

Apr 11, 2008 | 06:47 AM

Ron W.

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From: Stockton Ca.

Also affecting the life span of the u-joints is whether or not they are grease-able and if they actually get lubed at every oil change.

Apr 11, 2008 | 05:09 PM

steve(ill)

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your talking about a F150- in general i would guess 50% of the rear drive shafts get new universal joints at about 100k miles. The front shaft goes longer since it is seldom used under load.

Apr 11, 2008 | 07:23 PM

40LUTZAG

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Joined: Jul 2006

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u joint removal

do you have to take off the bolts off that hold the driveline. or can you just use needle nose to take th u joint off.

Apr 12, 2008 | 12:21 AM

Club Wagon

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If you're contemplating DIY U-joint replacement I strongly recommend that you obtain a Haynes or Chilton manual & go over the procedure 1st.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40LUTZAG

do you have to take off the bolts off that hold the driveline. or can you just use needle nose to take th u joint off.

None of us are mind readers, your Q is leaves much unanswered. The short answer is both, however there's a LOT MORE to it than that. You can take the driveshaft off w/o a needle nose. Replacing U-Js requires much more than removing the snap-rings.