U Joint problem

falcon556 · Jul 25, 2008

I have replaced quite a few U joints and they generally turn out pretty good.
Once in a while they end up tight. I try hitting them, pushing them back and forth, no matter what they stay tight, hard to turn.
I use a "C" press and I also tried the socket and hammer method.
Any ideas welcome.

johnnyc · Jul 25, 2008

Try tapping the ears with a hammer. That'll often loosen them up a bit.

Harlee&Tahoe · Jul 25, 2008

falcon556 said:
I have replaced quite a few U joints and they generally turn out pretty good.
Once in a while they end up tight. I try hitting them, pushing them back and forth, no matter what they stay tight, hard to turn.
I use a "C" press and I also tried the socket and hammer method.
Any ideas welcome.

If not centered they get tight, or could yoke ears be bent?
You don't have to hit very hard, just a little tap,tap,tappy to find the sweet spot.
Or maybe one of the needle bearings fell out of place and is between the cap and the end of the trunnion.

falcon556 · Jul 25, 2008

Thanks guys, I tried tapping etc.
I think when I push the old ujoint out, it bends the ears due to the friction.
I may have to use a spacer to keep them from squeezing i.
I can turn the ujoint by hand, I think it should be looser.

razdrvr · Jul 26, 2008

its very hard to get the clips in if a needle bearing is out of place. If you got the clips in with out much fuss, I'd just run it. It'll work loose. or this will happen

falcon556 · Jul 26, 2008

razdrvr said:
its very hard to get the clips in if a needle bearing is out of place. If you got the clips in with out much fuss, I'd just run it. It'll work loose. or this will happen

When there is a needle in the cup, the clips won't fit.
Just to be on the safe side I pushed the cups out, checked them and reinstalled. It is nice and loose till I push it the extra thousand or two that I need to get the clips in. The moment I do, it gets tight. I guess the ears are bent a bit.

razdrvr · Jul 26, 2008

Believe me, it is possible. Ask me how I know.

Harlee&Tahoe · Jul 26, 2008

razdrvr said:
Believe me, it is possible. Ask me how I know.

BIG X2
My first time doing u-joints I took axles to Big-hO and $20 for them to R & R joint and one 30ton press later severely bent yoke ears on a stub shaft after that I took my stuff back and I told him I'll take my chances with a hammer with the rest.

stu mcgimly · Jul 26, 2008

That just happend to me on a front one, I just took a wide fine toothed file shave the dirt and rust off till I got a shiny surface and then the clips just fit and the joint moved free. Use caution, just the dirt and rust.

U Joint problem

falcon556

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johnnyc

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Harlee&Tahoe

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falcon556

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razdrvr

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falcon556

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razdrvr

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Harlee&Tahoe

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stu mcgimly

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