Bad front u joint

[ROCKJEEP]

Started to hear a sqeeking noise lately. Just crawled under to check the u joints and found the driver axle u joint is bad. Anyone change theres yet?

Kory

 

[Matt400]

I have done several 3rd gens now, kinda a bear without the right tool.

After the first one I bought a better tool for doing them.

I will check the tool number and post back to let you know.



edit



Ok, this is the tool I use to install the new joint, in the past that tool has always served me well to also remove them but not on the big joints these have.



For removal I had to get one of these which works very well, so well I wish I had bought one of those a long time ago for removal of smaller joints so I have ordered a smaller puller but same style.



Each one I have done I find the wheel bearing hub froze/rusted in the spindle. For that I have a pressure screw that I install on the lug nuts that presses on the axle stub. With allot of pressure on that I hit the partial backed out bearing hub retaining bolt head with a HD air hammer.



On the install I scrub the spindle and bearing hub with Emery paper and then apply anti-seize.

 

[CPittman]

Had the dealership replace mine with the NAPA Federal-Mogul "Precision" brand parts (have grease zerks). Did it at around 128,000 miles. See sig for Precision part number.

 

[COSEng]

Just replaced both front hub bearings, front axle u-joints, and upper and lower ball joints. The worst part is getting the hub bearings out. Do a search ('hub bearing'), as this has been discussed alot before. Get the tools you will need ready before you start. Be careful with the precision u-joints when you install them. It is easy to damage the nylon end bearings if you mess up and have to push them back out ($60 mistake!). Definately the most difficult repair I have attempted so far. I would estimate about 12 hours total project.

 

[Cattletrkr]

Dealer replaced both of mine under warranty even though only one was bad. That was about 90K back.