Home » How-to » Transmissions & Drivetrains » Drive Axles & Differentials » How to Replace a U-Joint

How to Replace a U-Joint

for all vehicles ( View guide for your vehicle )
Parts needed: Suggest Parts
U Joint
Tools needed: Suggest Tools
Standard Hammer Socket and Ratchet Set
(Show)
Supplies needed:
White out
Estimated Costs:

DIY Costs
Est. $66.43 parts only Shop Costs
Est. $299.73 in parts and labor
Costs are based on averages for all vehicles.

Guide Steps

Contributor(s) to this Article - Add to this Guide
Print this page
1
 
Secure the vehicle on a solid level surface so that it does not roll or lean when raised. edit step - submit photo
2
 
Using a floor jack, raise the vehicle. edit step - submit photo
Jack lifting vehicle up by pinch weld
3
 
Secure the vehicle with jack stands on both sides for safety before starting any work. Do not rely on the jack to hold the vehicle up while working. edit step - submit photo
Jack stands supporting the vehicle from both sides
4
 
Paint a reference line on the end of the driveshaft and the companion flange so that they can be reassembled in the same position to maintain proper driveshaft balance. edit step - submit photo
5
 
Disconnect the U-bolts or U-clamps which hold the rear U-joint to the pinion flange. Wrap tape around the loose bearing cups to prevent them from falling off. edit step - submit photo
U-joint cap bolts. Remove these caps to separate the driveshaft and U-joint from the rear end.
Removing the u-joint cap bolts
6
 
Remove the driveshaft from the transmission by sliding it backwards. edit step - submit photo
7
 
Inspect the yoke seal for damage and replace if necessary. edit step - submit photo
8
 
Position the drive shaft in a sturdy bench vise. edit step - submit photo
9
 
Remove the snap rings which retain the bearings in the slip yoke (front only) and in the driveshaft (front and rear). edit step - submit photo
10
 
Using assorted sockets, press the bearing cups out of the yoke and the drive shaft with a large bench vise or an arbor press. By closing the vice, the smaller socket will drive the bearing through one side and the larger socket will allow the bearing to be driven out on other side. edit step - submit photo
11
 
As each bearing cup is forced far enough out of the universal joint assembly, grip the bearing cap, with a pair of pliers, and pull them off. edit step - submit photo
U-joint bearing cap. When driveshaft is removed, caps will be exposed for removal.
12
 
Drive the U-joint in the opposite direction in order to make the opposite bearing accessible, and pull it free with a pair of pliers. Use this procedure to remove all the bearings from both universal joints. edit step - submit photo
13
 
After removing the bearing caps, pull the U-joint from the drive shaft and yoke edit step - submit photo
14
 
Thoroughly clean all the dirt and foreign matter from the yokes and both ends of the driveshaft. edit step - submit photo
15
 
Install one bearing cap part way into one side of the yoke. edit step - submit photo
16
 
Start the U-joint into the bearing cap and then partially install the other cap. Align the U-joint and press the bearing caps into position, being careful not to damage the seals or needle bearings. edit step - submit photo
17
 
Install the snap-rings. If you are having problems seating the snap-rings, strike the driveshaft yoke sharply with a hammer. This will spring the yoke ears slightly and allow the snap-rings to seat in the groove. edit step - submit photo
18
 
Position the driveshaft and insert the front yoke into the transmission so that the splines mesh with the splines of the transmission shaft. edit step - submit photo
19
 
Using reference marks made during removal, align the driveshaft with the companion flange and secure it with the U-bolts or U-clamps. edit step - submit photo
20
 
Install the grease fitting and fill the joint with grease. Be careful not to overfill the U-joint, as this could blow out the grease seals. edit step - submit photo
21
 
Test the U-joint to verify repairs. edit step - submit photo
Did you find this guide helpful?   Helpful   Not really
 

Your Garage

We'll align your AutoMD experience to your current vehicle.

Select your vehicle so we can provide exact information, estimates and recommendations that match your vehicle