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My 2000 Tacoma, 4wd, 2.7 needs new u-joints and carrier bearing. We're past the point of no return and have discovered Toyota prefers to sell the rear section of the drive shaft already assembled rather than sell replacement u-joints. NAPA tried but couldn't match up u-joints to the ones we removed. So, has anyone tried to 'rebuild' this piece or is it strictly a matter of buying a new one?
There are a lot of things to maintain alignment and balance when rebuilding a double-cardon. Is there a machine shop or driveline shop near you? This is honestly one of those times that it is bet r in the long run to throw $100-200 to a shop that has all the dowels and jigs to press those apart and press them back together instead of trying to beat them with a BFH and sockets as your drifts.
FWIW I’ve done standard u-joints in yokes and CV joints, but farm out DCs.
There are a lot of things to maintain alignment and balance when rebuilding a double-cardon. Is there a machine shop or driveline shop near you? This is honestly one of those times that it is bet r in the long run to throw $100-200 to a shop that has all the dowels and jigs to press those apart and press them back together instead of trying to beat them with a BFH and sockets as your drifts.
I found a drive line shop nearby and got a quote for $250 to rebuild and balance. When they started the work it was discovered the races for the bearing cups were worn out and need to be sleeved and machined before installing u-joints. The new bid is getting closer to the cost of a new part. At the moment, we are trying to find either a good used one to rebuild or a better price on a brand new one.
Lots of people seem happy with Tom Woods driveshafts. I have always assumed that's the route I would go if my DC joints fail someday.
It's been several months and my Parts Geek driveshaft has developed a 'ping' sound. I'm told that's from a dry needle bearing in a u-joint. Happens often when I press or release the clutch to start moving. Parts Geek has issued a return number and I've ordered a Tom Woods single piece drive shaft. More money but this is my hunting vehicle and I don't want an unserviceable failure at the end of a logging road.
Good to know. Thanks for the follow-up. Mine are good so far but when I first put new rear leaf springs and air bags in my truck, lifting the rear a bit, I had vibration coming from those joints. It settled down as my lift settled, but it's clear there's a little slop in mine. I hadn't started looking into replacement options yet.
Dec 13, 2020 | 09:33 AM
U-joint replacement woe$
