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Replacing universal joints refers to changing the couplings at either end of the drive shaft, which are an integral component of the suspension system of a vehicle. This process isn't complicated, so anyone with garage access and a moderate amount of automotive experience can accomplish this repair task on their own. Follow these steps for how to replace universal joints.
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Steps
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Lift up the front end of a vehicle with a floor jack. [1] X Research source -
Place jack stands under the front end of the frame to ensure stability. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement -
Empty the transmission fluid in order to prevent it from leaking. -
Dislodge the fill plug for the transmission. -
Prepare a container for the fluid and disengage the transmission's drain plug. -
Ensure the integrity of the driveshaft assembly by creating reference marks. [3] X Research source -
Detach the mounting clips or bolts which hold the driveshaft to the transmission. -
Remove the driveshaft by dislodging the yoke from the transmission. [4] X Research source -
Prevent the jostling of the needle bearings by securing the bearing caps with tape. -
Stabilize the driveshaft in a vise. -
Remove the tape. -
Dislodge the bearings from the yoke by detaching the retaining rings. -
Use variously sized sockets along with the leverage supplied by the vise, to force the bearing caps from the yoke. -
Use pliers to remove the caps as they are pushed through the assembly. -
Flip the drive shaft around in the vise and repeat the preceding process on the other end. -
Dislodge the universal joint from the both the yoke and the driveshaft. -
Remove all dirt and debris from the entire drive shaft assembly, assuring that it is completely clean. -
Apply a small amount of grease to the replacement caps. -
Replace the bearing cap by inserting it partially into the yoke. [5] X Research source -
Begin installing the universal joint into the cap. -
Insert the opposing cap, partially. -
Line up the universal joint and push the caps into place using a press machine. -
Insert the retaining rings. -
Lift the driveshaft into position. -
Confirm that the yoke is properly aligned with the shaft of the transmission. -
Consult your reference lines to ensure proper reinstallation of the driveshaft. -
Reattach the universal joint mounting clamps or clips. -
Insert the grease fitting and apply grease. [6] X Research source -
Inspect the universal joint to confirm proper installation. -
Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle. -
Confirm that the transmission drain plug has been reinserted and refill the transmission with fluid. [7] X Research source -
Replace the fill plug.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat are signs of worn out suspension?Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified.The signs of suspension problems include: clunking sounds when hitting holes or speed bumps, vehicle pulling to one side, uneven tire wear and hard or loose steering.
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QuestionIs car suspension expensive to fix?Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified.It will depend on what's gone bad. Vehicle suspension systems are made up of many different parts. Some parts may be going bad, but the entire system will not go bad at one time.
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QuestionCan the 2 rear joints be changed without having to remove or disturb the carrier bearing on a 92 f-150 extended cab truck?Uglymug18Community AnswerThe front and rear section of the drive shaft are spliced together at the carrier bearing so yes, you can remove just the rear section.
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Tips
- An alternative to draining the transmission fluid is to hoist up both ends of the vehicle.Thanks
- Clanging noises while traveling at high speeds is symptomatic of worn out universal joints, but removing and inspecting them is the only way to fully diagnose the problem.Thanks
- While the driveshaft is dismounted, examine the yoke seal for wear. Replace it if needed.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/car-repair/how-to-safely-jack-up-your-vehicle/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2XdxPJnpNE
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gOeBE-ylQw
- ↑ https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/car-projects/how-to-replace-u-joints
- ↑ https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/car-projects/how-to-replace-a-u-joint
- ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a86/1272541/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb_1wbiPz9g
- http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/ujoint1/u-joint-1.htm
- http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/transfluid.htm
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Reader Success Stories
- "Great instructable, very authentic, I would just add that you may need to purchase a heavy duty u joint c-clamp and use an impact gun to get off some of the modern epoxy fastened u joints, otherwise perfect." ..." more
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"Great instructable, very authentic, I would just add that you may need to purchase a heavy duty u joint c-clamp and use an impact gun to get off some of the modern epoxy fastened u joints, otherwise perfect."
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