U-Joint Replacment / Problems

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Feb 20, 2009 | 07:25 AM

cchinny

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U-Joint Replacment / Problems

I have a single clunking sound when accelerating and stopping. I thought I was low on oil in my rear diff, so I put 2 quarts in and that didn't help. My buddy told me it might be my rear U-joints. I tried to wiggle my rear drive shaft side to side, but there is no play. Can anyone give me a quick walk though on replacing the U-joints? I'm good with cards, but to be honest, I've never done U joints and am not sure where they are. I thought it was the joint for the driveshaft, but there does not appear to be play in that. Is there already a thread on this? I could not find one. My car is a 1998 expedition 4x4 with 240K on it.

Thanks!

Feb 20, 2009 | 09:34 AM

alloro

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Besides the rear one you looked at, there is another u-joint (or a double cardan u-joint) at the front end of the driveshaft where it goes into the tranny. I did both my front and rear drive shafts a little while ago and it wasn't fun. The front was worse to do than the back only because of the difficulty (limited working space) of taking it out and putting it back in. I did need to use a 12 ton press to take everything apart, they were just too frozen on for a vise or a C-clamp to be able to break them free.

Here's a page with general instructions, with pictures, just to give you an idea of how it's done.
U-joint Repair

Feb 20, 2009 | 09:38 AM

alloro

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Oh and here's a thread I started over my u-joint change ordeal.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...t-removal.html

Feb 20, 2009 | 09:57 AM

KR1

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From: Northern Alabama

CChinny, I have the exact same "clunk" on acceleration.... makes you cringe,, sounds/like the transmission is falling out like in the AAMCO commercial many years ago (way before Cable, Direct TV and probably during the VCR time)...

..Anyway,,, let us know how it goes and what i have to look foward to if you DIY...

Feb 20, 2009 | 10:07 AM

cchinny

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U-Joints

Wow. Thanks for the quick response and the links. Looks like it a doable job, but not a fun one in the NH winter. Is there a way to tell definatively which joint is bad? I tried to crank on the rear one with my hands and it didn't budge in 0 degree weather. I didn't know about the front. I will check that one too. If trying to wiggle it with my hand doesn't do it, what should I try? I would rather not replace both without needing to. Other question, is it really bad to drive with it clunking on start and stops? Is there urgency to gettting it fixed? My wife is taking the car to Maine this weekend. I haven't noticed vibration - yet, but I mostly do in town driving. Probably won't get around to fixing it until next week if it is urgent, May if it isn't.

Thanks again in advance!

Feb 20, 2009 | 10:15 AM

joe chevy

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From: merrimack valley

sometimes its guess work
or remove driveshaft to feel for binding
are original joints held in w/nylon/teflon (hard plastic sealer)
i remember using firewrench to soften.
sealant would pop then moulten plastic would come ozzing out

Feb 20, 2009 | 10:20 AM

KR1

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Joined: May 2003

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From: Northern Alabama

I have not even tried to move the joints around....too cold.. this Alabama winter is killing me.... LOL, JK,,, hey it is below freezing last night.... :-)

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Feb 20, 2009 | 01:05 PM

cchinny

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U joints

The clunking is in just rear wheel drive, but I think it happens in AWD too. I usually just use RWD for gas milage reasons and occasionally pop it in AWD rarely in 4wd. Don't drive it enought in AWD or 4wd to notice. Thanks for the info of being in neutral. I'll try that later today.

Mar 6, 2009 | 09:49 PM

#10

cchinny

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New Rumbling

So I think it is the U-joints, but now in addition to the clunking when starting and stoping, I now have a loud rumble/hum in the rear when I let the car coast. Is this U-joint related or differential? I just added 2 quarty to the diff before this started becuase I thought the clunk was the diff low on oil. Now I'm wondering if it has too much diff oil in there. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Mar 7, 2009 | 10:54 AM

#11

alloro

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Yes the hum/rumble can be due to a bad u-joint. As far as too much oil, if you remove the filler plug, the oil level should be just below it. If you stick your finger in the hole you should be able to feel the oil.