U-Joint Questions

BCParker · Oct 17, 2005

1997 4.0, auto, 8.25,231, 125,000mi[/U]

Could somebody please describe the process to test for a bad u-joint?

These are original to the vehicle, and I've been getting a bad feeling, a sort of like a clunk from somewhere behind me when accelerating from a stop, or after braking hard and then hitting the gas. I'm trying to figure out what's gonna need replacing soon and what I might be able to do myself.

Rear DS

Sorry they're huge
Thanks for your help.

_B

XgeekstarX · Oct 17, 2005

basically just grab the shaft and move it around in all directions and look for any play in the joint. although by the looks of those joints i'd replace them anyways.

KY-XJ · Oct 17, 2005

Is it me or does something not look right in that second pic?

n5xl · Oct 17, 2005

You mean the weird angle the u-joint machined surfaces make (not parallel) in the third picture? I think this might be due to the camera and how close he is in taking the picture. Very small mm lenses do funny things to images. At least i HOPE thats the reason.

BCParker · Oct 17, 2005

n5xl said:
You mean the weird angle the u-joint machined surfaces make (not parallel) in the third picture? I think this might be due to the camera and how close he is in taking the picture. Very small mm lenses do funny things to images. At least i HOPE thats the reason.

In the last picture there is some crookedness there in real life, though the camera might make it look worse -took those pics last night using just the flash as a light source, so maybe

thanks for replies, can replacement be done with normal hand tools, or is press or something special required?

-I'll see if I can get a better pic today.

langer1 · Oct 17, 2005

In the last picture the caps were also moving, look at the missing rust around the clips. The center also looks like it's been "HOT".
Also lots of times they get tight before they fail so shaking them don't always find the problem.

HaleYes · Oct 17, 2005

BCParker said:
In the last picture there is some crookedness there in real life, though the camera might make it look worse -took those pics last night using just the flash as a light source, so maybe

thanks for replies, can replacement be done with normal hand tools, or is press or something special required?

-I'll see if I can get a better pic today.

You can do it with hand tools. Not the easiest method, but it can be done.

XgeekstarX · Oct 17, 2005

all you really need to change them is some needle nose pliers to get the snaprings off, a 3/4" socket, a big hammer, and maybe a c-clamp.

BCParker · Oct 18, 2005

thanks for the replies, which is the correct replacement for the rear driveshaft?

spicer/1310? or x-297?
http://www.quadratec.com/cgi-bin/sg...2&UREQC=3&UREQD=4&FNM=13&UID=2005101720172153

Looked around a little, know a good place to order them from?

otto · Oct 18, 2005

Two writeups for you on -U- joint R&R:

http://jeepin.com/features/ujoint/index.asp

http://www.4x4wire.com/tech/axle/ujoint/

I would add a very big screwdriver to the tools list above. Handy to stop the driveshaft from moving when turning the strap bolts.

BCParker · Oct 18, 2005

Thanks alot otto. That first link doesn't make it seem too bad, the two sockets to pound it out looks good. I'm getting ready to order two new ujoints for the rear, and may have to do everything up front too eventually.

any other tips or warnings as to what I should/not do?

PB Blaster?

Considering the rust on everything and the possible bent/warped/uneven joint, will I need to replace anything besides the joint?

thanks again
B

U-Joint Questions

BCParker

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XgeekstarX

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KY-XJ

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n5xl

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BCParker

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langer1

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HaleYes

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XgeekstarX

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BCParker

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otto

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BCParker

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