Front Axle U-Joint Replacement

[SWithrow]

I just replaced my front and rear drive shafts u joints, and there is still a knocking (Popping shound) when moving slow either reverse or drive while turning. With that said how involved is it to replace the axles joints?

 

[rbattelle]

Replacing the axle joints is not hard. Removing the hub bearings, however, might be.

Here's a thread that discusses the hub bearing removal.

Ryan

 

[Mr.Goat]

Mine have been changed twice, by my mechanic who has the knowledge and the tools where I don't. The last time I bought Precision joints that are greaseable. No more issues with front joints.

I would highly suggest you put joints in with grease zerks.

 

[wcjp]

Definitely use the power steering to pop off the Unit Bearing. The 1/2" extension didn't work on my friends 03'. We ended up partially installing one of the top Unit Bearing bolts. Used a 5-6" piece of rectangular steel scrap I had laying around. Have trusted friend at the steering wheel with engine on. You're going to place spare steel block between the bolt and the inside of the knuckle. Have friend slowly move steering wheel until steel block contacts bolt/knuckle. Have him apply slow even pressure at steering wheel.



My friend screwed around with his Unit Bearings for two days. When I was able to make it to his house we had both out within 20minutes. Apply LOTS of ANTISEIZE to the metal to metal surfaces when reinstalling the Unit Bearings. Next time they'll come out by hand.