Q&A for How to Replace Universal Joints

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  • Question
    What are signs of worn out suspension?
    Ed Beery
    Automotive Specialist
    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.
    Automotive Specialist
    Expert Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Is car suspension expensive to fix?
    Ed Beery
    Automotive Specialist
    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.
    Automotive Specialist
    Expert Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Can the 2 rear joints be changed without having to remove or disturb the carrier bearing on a 92 f-150 extended cab truck?
    Uglymug18
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Can I replace the rear universal joint without dropping the whole drive shaft?
    Xandercage2324
    Community Answer
    No, you should drop the whole drive shaft so you don't damage it by bending or twisting.
  • Question
    Why are you draining the transmission to replace a universal joint?
    Trey Beech
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    I have a 1996 GMC 4x4 extension cab. Can I change the rear universal joint on the main drive shaft without dropping the whole transmission?
    Trey Beech
    Community Answer
    Both joints on the main shaft can be replaced without dropping the transmission.
  • Question
    How do I do a front wheel 4 wheel drive u joint replacement?
    Bolan16
    Community Answer
    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.
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