Replace rear axle u-joint

Ranski · 04-22-2004, 12:21 PM

Has anyone done this and is it difficult? Do I need a special tool?

Any help would be appreciated?

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CTB · 04-22-2004, 12:54 PM

Do you mean a driveshaft U-joint?

joshik · 04-22-2004, 01:03 PM

im getting my rear drive shaft u joint done as we speak. i JUST dropped it off at Drive Line Service here in Cali.

My truck would make clunk clunk clunk noises as i drove so i dropped the drive shaft (2 piece) and brought it in.

They are going to replace my center carrier and the u joints that is on the front of the rear half of the rear drive shaft (the side that connects to the center carrier). Also, they are going to extend my drive shaft a bit b/c the prev owner, when lifting the truck 4" didnt have the drive shaft extended. So out the door: $260

I dunno how easy it is to replace u-joints, but my friend who's a gear head, told me to just take it in and get it done right.

hypnotoad · 04-22-2004, 08:08 PM

same idea for front axle joints or driveshaft:

a press is very handy for this job, but it can be done with a C clamp and the right size socket - I think I saw a press at Harbor Freight. Can also be done by hammering the bejesus out of the yokes but it's time consuming and noisy!

Essentially you press the cap out of one side (into a big enough socket) while pressing the cap into the opposite side - end result is both caps are out of the yoke. Do this twice per yoke.

Yoter · 04-22-2004, 08:17 PM

If you did it yourself may have only cost $50 to $100 for parts. Doing U joints is pretty easy. The hardest part is getting ahold of a C clamp & greese gun. Other than that its an easy fix.

Firefyter-Emt · 04-22-2004, 09:39 PM

IHMO.. if youcan find the right shop, it may onlycost $10 or $20 to get them to put it in the shaft.. The toyota uses a joint that must be pressed on all 4 sides and they are a pain in the .... I broke my dad's vice trying to press mine out and paid a shop $10.. Yep, $10 to install my shaft I brought in with my u-joint.. (They have since done my Jeep's front axle shafts for the same price. Now a 2 cap press out, I would do at home. But the 4 cap press outs can be a pain. Ask around first..

Ranski · 04-23-2004, 12:00 PM

Thanks for all the input guys. If I can truely find a shop to do it for $10 then I will probably head that direction. However, I'm always inclinded to do it myself at least once, so come the time on the trail that I need to do it, I will have already been through it once in a controlled environment.

schlopecki · 04-23-2004, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranski

(...)
I'm always inclinded to do it myself at least once, so come the time on the trail that I need to do it, I will have already been through it once in a controlled environment.

I use the same philosophy.
BTW Let me know if you need any help with that repair.

04-22-2004, 12:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
CTB Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: SC Posts: 1,218	Do you mean a driveshaft U-joint? __________________ 1995 4Runner V6 4x4

04-22-2004, 01:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
joshik Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: bellflower Posts: 911	im getting my rear drive shaft u joint done as we speak. i JUST dropped it off at Drive Line Service here in Cali. My truck would make clunk clunk clunk noises as i drove so i dropped the drive shaft (2 piece) and brought it in. They are going to replace my center carrier and the u joints that is on the front of the rear half of the rear drive shaft (the side that connects to the center carrier). Also, they are going to extend my drive shaft a bit b/c the prev owner, when lifting the truck 4" didnt have the drive shaft extended. So out the door: $260 I dunno how easy it is to replace u-joints, but my friend who's a gear head, told me to just take it in and get it done right. __________________ 2003 4Runner Limited 4wd V8. Bone stock except for the Nitto All Terrains. My Rig 91 Ext Cab 4x4 Yota, black with 4" front IFS trailmaster lift, 3" Downey rear springs, Downey Rubicon extended shackles, and 2" body lift. 35" BFG M/T w/ 4.56. Centerforce II clutch, Rancho 5000s all around and Rancho traction bar, K&N Air filter, Flowmaster, ARB Rear Diff Air Locker, Custom "Mad Eyes" light covers, Extended Diff Breathers, Hella Vision Plus Headlights. My Rig

04-22-2004, 08:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
hypnotoad Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: NY State Posts: 58	same idea for front axle joints or driveshaft: a press is very handy for this job, but it can be done with a C clamp and the right size socket - I think I saw a press at Harbor Freight. Can also be done by hammering the bejesus out of the yokes but it's time consuming and noisy! Essentially you press the cap out of one side (into a big enough socket) while pressing the cap into the opposite side - end result is both caps are out of the yoke. Do this twice per yoke. __________________ 2000 SR5 4WD elbow, ISR mods; Mobil1 5W-30 with Toy filter; Amsoil air filter all hail hypnotoad

04-22-2004, 09:39 PM	#6 (permalink)
Firefyter-Emt Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Connecticut Posts: 972	IHMO.. if youcan find the right shop, it may onlycost $10 or $20 to get them to put it in the shaft.. The toyota uses a joint that must be pressed on all 4 sides and they are a pain in the .... I broke my dad's vice trying to press mine out and paid a shop $10.. Yep, $10 to install my shaft I brought in with my u-joint.. (They have since done my Jeep's front axle shafts for the same price. Now a 2 cap press out, I would do at home. But the 4 cap press outs can be a pain. Ask around first.. __________________ Lee's Toyota 4Runner Yankee Toys - TLCA Delegate 2nd Gen. Sway Bar disconnects for sale..

04-23-2004, 12:00 PM	#7 (permalink)
Ranski Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 346	Thanks for all the input guys. If I can truely find a shop to do it for $10 then I will probably head that direction. However, I'm always inclinded to do it myself at least once, so come the time on the trail that I need to do it, I will have already been through it once in a controlled environment. __________________ Randy 2006 Sequoia 1985 4Runner: Build-up has begun Build-up Thread: http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=80743 www.tornadoalleycruisers.com TLCA #12443

04-22-2004, 08:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
Yoter Guest Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 5,048	If you did it yourself may have only cost $50 to $100 for parts. Doing U joints is pretty easy. The hardest part is getting ahold of a C clamp & greese gun. Other than that its an easy fix.

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