Changing U-joint's Suggestions

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Apr 23, 2008 | 11:35 AM

Markadeck

Thread Starter

Gone, but not forgotten

Joined: Oct 2005

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From: Charlotte-Fairbanks-Bflo

Changing U-joint's Suggestions

For years and about 100,000 miles I put up with a slight but very annoying driveline vibration. I would take it to a shop and between me and the mechanic we would pick a u-joint or 2 to replace. It would get a little bit better for a few thousand miles but would always come back. Did this 3 or 4 times until I bit the bullet and removed the entire shaft and took it to a driveshaft balancing service. Yes, it was a little bit out of balance, but the biggest problem were the cups in the yokes. A couple of them had worn to the point that they were causing premature u-joint failure, not to mention the vibration. Just a thought for everyone, I am sure the same could apply to the short shafts in 4 x 4 front axles.

Apr 23, 2008 | 11:50 AM

just another truck

Hotshot

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 10,499

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From: Sterling Heights,Mi

Thanks for the heads up, looks like I thanked you already this week, and have to share the love, sorry, reps would have been sent.

Apr 23, 2008 | 12:04 PM

DieselCamper01

Fleet Owner

Joined: Mar 2007

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From: BLT, MN

I sent yyou some love Mark. Great tip

Apr 23, 2008 | 12:22 PM

dryfly

Elder User

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 853

Likes: 1

I agree Mark,I take mine to the local driveline shop when it needs u-joints.Not because I can't change them,they are easy enough.But I like the fact that it is balanced and inspected by a specialty shop.The cost was well worth it I think $160 for the front shaft with that pain in the ash c.v.type joint.

Apr 23, 2008 | 12:26 PM

brnab1

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 116

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From: Ladd, IL

Thanks for the tip ..... I just went through this ill have 2 check those if i have a problem !!!

Apr 23, 2008 | 02:01 PM

miller_feed

Hook it, I'll pull it.

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 15,037

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From: Grand Lake, La.

Good post Mark. I was able to a fraction of a green box.

Apr 23, 2008 | 02:15 PM

eatfish

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 197

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OK, I need an explination... What do you mean "cups in the yokes"? The u-joint caps?

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Apr 23, 2008 | 03:57 PM

eatfish

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jun 2006

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That is what I initially thought, but it is hard to imagine that there would be that much wear with no moving parts. Guess the steel is pretty soft and they are "egging out." Thanks for the heads up.

Apr 23, 2008 | 04:21 PM

#10

rbaker6336

Post Fiend

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 7,191

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From: Blairsville,Ga

sometimes u-joint removal/install tecnque can result in a damaged driveshaft yoke

Apr 23, 2008 | 04:26 PM

#11

papadelogan

Snowboard season cometh..

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 5,406

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From: Gulf Coast of Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbaker6336

sometimes u-joint removal/install tecnque can result in a damaged driveshaft yoke

hence the phrase... "ham fisted"

Apr 23, 2008 | 05:57 PM

#12

farmdad

Posting Guru

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 1,777

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From: Buckingham, IA

Does Ford use the "injected plastic" to hold the u-joint caps in place? I ran into this on a '98 Jimmy. What a rinky dink way to build a vehicle. Had to use a press to break them loose. I hadn't run into this on any Ford that I have worked on.