Q&A for How to Replace Universal Joints

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.

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.

The front and rear section of the drive shaft are spliced together at the carrier bearing so yes, you can remove just the rear section.

No, you should drop the whole drive shaft so you don't damage it by bending or twisting.

If the transmission has a slip yoke on the rear, there will be fluid leaking from the rear if the transmission is not drained and the driveshaft is removed.

Both joints on the main shaft can be replaced without dropping the transmission.

1. Required parts: replacement universal joint (with retaining rings), grease, snap ring pliers, curved pick, hammer, socket set, wheel chocks, safety glasses. 2. Locate a level surface (ideally a garage). 3. Remove front driveshaft after chocking vehicle's wheels. 4. Remove old u-joint by pounding bearing caps out with socket after removing the retaining rings with snap ring pliers and curved pick. 5. Install new u-joint using the same socket and place new retaining rings in their respective slots using snap ring pliers. 6. Finally install the driveshaft back into the vehicle in the reverse process as the removal. 7. Test drive the vehicle to ensure proper installation.

Unless you have a hydraulic press, it's best to leave it to professionals. If the needle bearings fall out of place inside the new u-joint, it can cause more issues and will likely need to be redone.

Check if the noise is from a loose caliper bracket first. It could be a u-joint, but a thorough investigation is necessary to confirm the problem.

If the cap doesn't go far enough in, you should remove it and check if the needle bearings have fallen loose and are holding the cap up. If you can't get the snap ring back on, the u-joint will eventually fall apart.

To replace universal joints in a propeller shaft, lift and secure the vehicle on jack stands, remove the driveshaft by unbolting the flange or yoke at both ends, and mark the old joints for reassembly. Use a press or hammer to remove the old joints from the yokes, clean the surfaces, and press in the new joints, ensuring proper alignment. Reattach the driveshaft, torque all bolts to specifications, and check for smooth rotation before lowering the vehicle.

Soak the u-joint and retaining rings with penetrating oil. Use a punch or thin metal chisel to pound the ring in a circular motion to rotate it in the groove. If you can get it to spin, use a pick to pry it out. In the worst case, heat the clip with an oxy-acetylene torch, using a very thin flame, then cool it with water to quickly expand and contract the metal, which should free it up.