Old U joints or universal joints can become a kind of real aggravation. They plod just at the moment when you let your vehicle’s clutch out or when you pull the transmission lever within the drive. However, these joints may also clunk/plod each time you take on or off the accelerator.
Even though the worst irritating part is the vibration that may further increase just when you speed up the vehicle, so, if you do not replace the Universal joints within time, then the chances are they might be coming out apart, drooling your driveshaft within the street (and if you are unlucky, then it can lead you into a serious accident as well).
Thus, if you want to know how to replace U (Universal) joints, then this article is the right choice for you. The replacing process is really very inexpensive, and you can do it on your own as well. On the other hand, Driveshafts may cost you a little more buck.
So, let’s check out how to replace U (Universal) joints easily.
Things You May Need
- U joint pressing tool
- Hand tools
- U joints
- Shop rags
- Jack and jack stands.
Step By Step To Replace U (Universal) Joints
So, here are those steps by step guidelines by which you will be able to replace your vehicle’s universal joints easily. You need to read the below steps very carefully, and then gather all the needed things which we also mentioned above.
1. Reinstallation
Start with this one, and you need to first mark the shaft for the purpose of reinstallation. Now, simply remove the U bolts, after that, you may need to slide the driveshaft ahead within the transmission along with the help of a large screwdriver. However, make sure, it should slide ahead enough to release further clear of the pinion yoke.
2. Removing
The next step would be to further remove the internal/external C-clips. However, you can even press out the polymer injected ring, which actually holding the U joints into its place. Although, for polymer, be ready to gently apply extreme pressure by which you can remove the joints. Somehow, you can take help with the heat as well, so it will be good to have a heat gun with you.
3. Pressing
Press the Universal joint outward; the shaft’s one side. Now, you need to remove the bearing cap and furthermore, then follow the next step where you have to press the joint, and that’s how the bearing cap came out the other side. Now, simply handle the driveshaft correctly during this procedure.
4. Check Old/New Parts
You don’t need to compare the old/new parts. Later on, reinstall new joints while removing out the bearing caps and as well as needle bearings. You need to be very careful to twist the cap further back and forth so that you can remove it well.
5. Slipping
Simply slip the universal joint cross within the driveshaft bearing rings. Though, it may take a little more extra determination to easily and conveniently get the joint within the position.
6. New Bearing Caps
Then you need to press the new bearing caps within the driveshaft along with a press universal joint. However, don’t be in a hurry, always go with the easy way to put even the pettiest dent within the driveshaft, it can also go out of balance, and then you may end up facing lots of other problems. Always make sure that a certain joint cross out is adjusted with the caps during the time of pressing in place.
7. Last Step
After you have done with the pressing process in the new joints, now, you may need to make sure that the snap-ring C-clips are going to be pushed in place through hands. Although, the universal joint must have to be completely centered in the driveshaft so that you can easily install the C-clips.
Watch this Video
Conclusion
So, that’s how you can easily replace the universal joints of your car within less time of period. Always make sure to follow the steps carefully with proper tools. Sometimes things are getting hard for the first time, and people got stuck in the middle of somewhere to not replacing the joints perfectly.
Now, read the steps carefully and replace the joints.
