Most off-road rigs have driveshafts, and where there are driveshafts there are universal joints. Straight front axles also have U-joints in the axleshafts that allow the transfer of power through the steering knuckle angle. Eventually, all of us experience a worn or broken U-joint that needs replacement. It’s a fairly easy job for a home mechanic and one that can help you keep going on the trail and save you some dough. There are several means by which you can change a joint in a driveshaft or axle. These include using a hydraulic press, ball-joint press, beefy bench vise, or simply with a hammer or big rock out on the trail. Here’s the basic method using a bench vise. 01. We’ll show how to swap one axis of a U-joint, but both axes are done the same way when needed. Start by removing both retaining clips with small-nose pliers or a screwdriver. Clamp the axle or driveshaft yoke in a vise between two sockets, one smaller than the joint cap size and one larger. With the vise, push the joint all the way to one side of the yoke. The one cup should come free from the yoke. Pliers may assist here, if needed.01. We’ll show how to swap one axis of a U-joint, but both axes are done the same way whe 02. The U-joint should lift free from the yoke. Some yokes may require that you use the vise to push the joint to the other side of the yoke to pull the other cap off to free the joint.02. The U-joint should lift free from the yoke. Some yokes may require that you use the 03. Start the new U-joint installation by lightly tapping one of the new caps into the yoke and positioning the joint in the yoke. Don’t be too aggressive with the hits as the small needle bearings in the caps can be knocked out of position. The caps can be pressed into the yoke with the vise. Make sure they go in straight and the caps align with the ends of the cross without binding.03. Start the new U-joint installation by lightly tapping one of the new caps into the y 04. Use your small socket as needed to push one cap into place and install a retaining clip. Flip the yoke over and push the other cap into place so its clip can be installed.04. Use your small socket as needed to push one cap into place and install a retaining cl 05. Here is the completed assembly. Some joints can be stubborn to replace. Just be patient so as not to damage or distort the yoke. Ensure the new clips lock in their grooves solidly.05. Here is the completed assembly. Some joints can be stubborn to replace. Just be pati 06. There are two types of retainer clips used. The driveshaft on the left has external clips and the shaft on the right uses internal clips that fit on the caps inside the yoke.06. There are two types of retainer clips used. The driveshaft on the left has external c By Jay Kopycinski Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
