I needed to swap over the yolk from one driveshaft to another. In the process I replaced the U-joint. Since there’s more than one way to do this, I decided to show both methods of U-joint replacement I’m aware of. I’m sure there are other ways, but I believe these to be the most popular.
Either way, it’s a fairly simple and straightforward process. The difficulties come in with the different types of fasteners used. The wax ones can be a pain, but a little time with a propane torch and they should come out fine. The thing is to spot those plastic retainers before you start.
Good luck!
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Tools
Zep Penetrating Oil: http://www.zepautomotive.com/product/Super-Rust-Breaker
U-joint tool: https://www.jbtoolsales.com/astro-pneumatic-7865-ball-joint-service-kit#oid=1002_1
The U-joint tool I used: https://www.amazon.com/Alltrade-648617-Master-U-Joint-Service/dp/B0028QGT86
My Bench Vice: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/wilton-14600-6-5-reversible-swivel-mechanics-vise#oid=1002_1
Related videos
My Bench Vice Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNvnAlSSCXE
2003 Nissan Sentra Ball Joint/Wheel Bearing Replacement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYnscq4pMKw
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Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.
Damn good video. Thanks
I have a 1996 mercury grand marquis do i have 2 of them it makes a clunking sound when i put it in reverse and in drive we o that's the problem right
Nice like always…
That was the best instructional on u joints I've seen, thanks
Very well explain thank you
https://youtu.be/msXobeleTc0
Can someone help me out and watch my video maybe even my part 2 i am looking at my ujoint/driveshaft trying to see if its bad.
you should do one on toyota u-joints because they aren't this easy
I in the past used the scockets and a "C" clamp. You just have to be careful with the alignment of the sockets.
Great video. Been years since i changed a UJ, under supervision. Your video brought it all home. Thanks from Mike in OZ.
13:03 oh thanks bro it's a really quick response 🙂 🙂
12:32 I know its too late bro, but you used the wrong clip 🙂
my driveshaft/u-joints were so seized I actually popped a weld bead on my vice.
One thing that helped me was to take it out of the vice and smack the socket with a hammer a few times.
Hammer and a block of wood with a drift works like a charm but I'm here cause I'm working on a alum shaft and afraid to damage.good tips thanks
Eric, any advice on correct replacement size on U Joints? I've got a 73 F100 but can't find a replacement guide.
Great video. What happens if you push one of the caps too far? Do you just push it back with the other side?
thanks, great video.
A vice is not a press, I've seen vice Jaws explode from that type of use. Also, if the cup is stuck, you can bend the ear and screw up your driveshaft. You elude to that when you say you're afraid of screwing it up.
I had a 1988 S10 it needed U-joints it was the plastic kind you mentioned I did not know they did that and I use the vice and socket I end up pounding for 2 days what did I do wrong I thought I had done U-joints and all my cars but I had Mopars and Fords I'm 65 years old it took a long time to teach this old dog a new trick
Dodge 1500 2008 four-wheel drive
Had to do this three times on my 1996 ram 1500, this video is by far the best one in YouTube!
I thought a u joint was a place where sheep herders hang out
no vice? hammer works too with sockets but take your time if new at it
Your video helped me a lot, although I had one complication… my U-joints were so corroded that I had to use A LOT of pressure on the ball/U-joint removal tool – so much that it actually started to bend the yoke before it popped free. Re-installation meant using way more pressure than I probably should have to get the snap rings to seat. Rust belt truck that sat in the grass for 2 years, so it was probably worse than most. Now we'll find out how many miles the new joints last since I had to squeeze the tar out of them…
10:10
04:35
02:30
GREAT VIDEO FOR THE CLASSICS.HOW OFTEN DO YOU GREASE THE ZIRCS? WHAT ARE THE TOP BRANDS ?
Thanks eric
The sales man warn me about hauling with cheap u joints
gonna have to change a u joint on my 1990 f250 this week, didnt thought of the vise but definitly gonna use mine instead of my hammer!
Eric, back in the day (early 70's) we used to remove the U-Joints in a vice with the sockets as you did, which works fine, and no damage to the drive shaft. We didn't have the tool back then. I've watched about 8 other videos on how to replace &-Joints and all of them took two sockets and beat the heck out of them with a BFH, and that sent chills down my spine watching this, I mean really banging very hard with the hammer. Great to see a real caring mechanic doing things the correct way.
Lots of great advice in this video, such as making sure the clips are seated properly, tapping on the joint at the end, and direction of zerk fitting. Eric has great little tips that would be easy to skip over but are still important.
Yeah
Forgot how relatively simple this was, but most importantly all the little tidbits and reminders are what I appreciate the most. Top shelf instruction there brother! Thanks! Stay dirty!
A vise is not an arbor press.
Well done and well explained
I did mine today with the 20 ton Harbor Freight press I bought last month to do the rear wheel bearings on my 03 Mountaineer. One thing I haven't seen covered in any videos is the old snap rings breaking. Lots of fun when that happens. Six out of 8 of mine broke like that. Easiest solution I found was to get one side out entirely, then just press from the other side. Once the cup is out, it's much easier to dig out the broken ring. I had expected it to be a frustrating balancing act trying to use the press and keep the sockets lined up with the yoke, but it really wasn't that bad. The first one went that way because I was trying to keep a 30mm socket aligned on the bottom, and a 17mm socket on the top. The last three I did by just pressing the u joint from one side until it bottomed out, then I flipped it over and put the 17mm socket in the yoke hole and the 30mm socket on top so I could press the cup all the way through. Wasn't that bad at all, and my horrible clicking and grinding noises are gone. On top of that, it no longer feels like the brakes are on when I let off the gas. One was completely seized in one direction. I'm guessing I should have done this a long time ago.
Ball joint press is my favorite method for u joints
Thanks for this video. You're probably the only video that shows a sealed u joint install. Everyone else shows how to do it with a zerk fitting. My concern was that I wasn't sure if you needed to add any grease on the sealed u joints. Ordered the parts, will be doing this job on Saturday along with replacing the rear transfer case seal.
Really helpful! thanks a lot from Panamá.
High quality and very informative. Best videos ive found while researching this. Thanks
Why have a driveshaft that delicate on a 4wd truck framed vehicle that is likely to bounce off some rocks and logs? Let's make a ford and a chevy still last 10 years like they should!
Thank you sir. Very informative and to the point.
What’s the ball park on a job like this ?
Awesome vid! What's the other part called after the you changed out the U-joint?
Only watched this video to see what that tool is called and you never named it?
What kind of vice is that? I need one that size so can do my u joints