rear drive shaft U joints

[thistle3585]

Unfortunately, my priority list has changed on my Jeep. The rear driveshaft U joints need to be replaced. I should have known this was going to happen as there were two brand new u joints in the glove box when I bought it. I've done some pretty extensive research on how to change them, which seems straight forward, but this is the first time I've tackled anything like this and I can't find the proper way to remove the drive shaft. Do I have to pull the whole drive shaft or is there a way to leave the front on and just pull the back? I guess if I have to pull the whole thing then I might as well replace both even though the front u joints appear to be fine. Also, I have PDQ u joints #1-6301. Is this a quality part? Any suggestions, photos or anything else appreciated. I can document it if you think that it would be a resource.
Andrew

 

[cass]

you should just take the whlole drive shaft out. im not sure how you could even do it with one side still hooked up. you might as well replace them both thile you are there. new ones will last you a long time as long time as long as you keep them greased. there will be caps attatched to 2 sides of the rear end and x case. 8 bolts out of those caps and the drive shaft is free. im not sure what kind of bolts hold yours in but mine was this wierd reverse torx headed bolt i had to buy a special socket for. its a greasy dirty job but is a very good thing to do

 

[thistle3585]

Thanks. I'll check it out tonight and hopefully wont have any issues with it. How long should this process take? I will be doing it at work and need to plan accordingly to be able to use the space. Would 4-6 hours for a first timer be sufficient?

 

[CJim7]

Thanks. I'll check it out tonight and hopefully wont have any issues with it. How long should this process take? I will be doing it at work and need to plan accordingly to be able to use the space. Would 4-6 hours for a first timer be sufficient?

Should be well under an hour.

 

[BusaDave9]

As a beginner I would be very surprised if you could replace the U-joints within an hour.
Check out this link:
How To Replace a Universal Joint - Installing a U-Joint
Here's the instructions in a video:
Replacing a Rear Axle U Joint : Preparing & Installing a U Joint onto a Drive Shaft - YouTube

 

[CJim7]

Alright, maybe 2 hours

I can do these things blindfolded...i guess i take it for granted

 

[BusaDave9]

Since you are a beginner, here are some tips:

1. As you remove the clips on the end of the caps they may snap back in place. Use pliers along with a screw driver to remove these clips.

2. Don't let the needle bearings fall out of place in the u-joint caps. As you assemble the u-joint I like to get one cap started before starting the 2nd. Then hold the u-joint so it is part way in each cap like this picture.

If the u-joint in all the way in one cap and you bang one cap down you may dislodge the needle bearings in the other cap. You may not notice they are there until you find out one cap wont go on all the way. Then you have to remove your caps to do it all over again.

3. Make sure the inside of the yokes where the caps fit is smooth and there aren't any burs that may prevent the cap from getting pressed in place. You can use sand paper to clean the yoke hole of corrosion or rust. This is more likely on the outer edges (outside the caps where the clip should be). If you used a hammer make sure you didn't hit or deform the edge of the yoke.

4. Use the correct sized tools to press the caps. Normally I would say use the correct tool for the job but in this case you may end up using a socket and hitting it with a hammer. Just make sure you have the correct sized socket. Not too small and of course not so big that it hits the edge of the yoke. You may wreck the socket so use an extra that you may reuse only for u joints. When installing a new u joint you could use a used u joint cap to drive the new cap in. by not using the socket for the whole job you are less likely to totally destroy it. Also the cap is exactly the right size. It's not good to use a used cap to remove the u joint becouse by the time you drive out the bad cap you now have the 2nd cap driven in your yoke.

 

[CJim7]

Dave did a bang-up job illustrating a typical Ujoint replacement.
However, I have something to add. I have never had the need for anything other then a vice and a socket to install the new Ujoints. You do not want to try to drive the caps into the yoke using impact. That will dislodge the bearings. Slow, steady compression with the vice is the best way.

 

[CJ007]

Alright, maybe 2 hours

I can do these things blindfolded...i guess i take it for granted

I'm with Jim, under an hour. And that's on my back in rocks on the side of a hill while tied off and swapping out the front to the rear to get home, because I forgot my spares. LOL!

Get used to doing them and carrying them if you wheel alot. I do remember the pain of the first few though, and with no direction it sucked. I'm sure the good info busadave gave will help out. Rep to him for always having detailed answers and pics!

Eventually it's like changing a light bulb!

 

[BajaEdition]

As a beginner I would be very surprised if you could replace the U-joints within an hour.
Check out this link:
How To Replace a Universal Joint - Installing a U-Joint
Here's the instructions in a video:
Replacing a Rear Axle U Joint : Preparing & Installing a U Joint onto a Drive Shaft - YouTube

sheesh, I can do it trails side without pulling the shaft in 20 minutes, well just one U jpoint. It aint that hard.