How to Replace a U-Joint

PARTS AND TOOLS

Parts needed:

U Joint

Tools needed:

Standard Hammer Socket and Ratchet Set

4 more tools. (Show)

Supplies needed:

White out

Estimated Costs:

DIY Costs
Est. $26.99 parts only Shop Costs
Est. $253.19 in parts and labor

Costs are based on averages for all vehicles.

Guide Steps

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Secure the vehicle on a solid level surface so that it does not roll or lean when raised.

Using a floor jack, raise the vehicle.

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.

Jack stands supporting the vehicle from both sides

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.

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.

U-joint cap bolts. Remove these caps to separate the driveshaft and U-joint from the rear end.

Remove the driveshaft from the transmission by sliding it backwards.

Inspect the yoke seal for damage and replace if necessary.

Position the drive shaft in a sturdy bench vise.

Remove the snap rings which retain the bearings in the slip yoke (front only) and in the driveshaft (front and rear).

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.

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.

U-joint bearing cap. When driveshaft is removed, caps will be exposed for removal.

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.

After removing the bearing caps, pull the U-joint from the drive shaft and yoke

Thoroughly clean all the dirt and foreign matter from the yokes and both ends of the driveshaft.

Install one bearing cap part way into one side of the yoke.

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.

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.

Position the driveshaft and insert the front yoke into the transmission so that the splines mesh with the splines of the transmission shaft.

Using reference marks made during removal, align the driveshaft with the companion flange and secure it with the U-bolts or U-clamps.

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.

Test the U-joint to verify repairs.

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