Front axle u-joints

[Smokin 90]

Hi everyone,

While I am looking for help on my rear main seal I thought I would also ask for help on replacing the U-joints on my front axle. I have had them replaced by my dealer in the past but I think I would like to try it myself this time. I know that I need a special socket for the hub but was wondering about how hard of a job it would be? I have a chiltons service manual but I was curious if it missed any thing.

Thanks for any help given.

 

[Philip]

It isn't to hard to do front axle U-joints. You will need the socket for the front bearing nuts. Also here is a link of a break down of the axle. It shows a slightly older version. But it will give you an idea of the break down steps.



http://www.coloradok5.com/dana60manual.shtml

 

[Case500D]

Fun job

Smokin'



I have change the u-joints in my front axle. First off, it is a good time to replace the wheel seals and repack the wheel bearings. The tools that you will need in addition to the special socket is a slide hammer and a set of normal shop tools and a vice. Be sure to replace the carrier bearings and dust seals that sit behind the stub shaft (what the wheel bearings run on) and support the rotating axle. I had a bit of a problem with getting the axle stub shafts off so I could remove the actual axle. A big rubber hammer and a strategically placed chisel fixed that. The shop manual you have should guide you through it and give you all of the proper torque specs. I would also get the greasable u-joints and pay attention on what way the grease zerks face. Good luck. If you have any specific questions, drop me a PM or e-mail. Hope this helps out a bit.



Jeremy

 

[Smokin 90]

Thanks guys,

I have access to all of the hand tools I should need but not a air compressor, although I don't know if I need to have one or not I am sure it would make disassembly a little easier. I know not to tighten anything except the wheels with compressed air. Thanks for the help. I am looking forward to working on my truck myself. I really love my 1st generation and like to do my own maintenance

 

[rwinslow]

I just replaced my front axle u-joints, cleaned and re-greased all bearings and replaced seals. These are the largest u-joints on the truck so you may need a fairly stout press to remove them. Figure on about 4 to 5 hours per side to do the work. Also, you will need a pair of snap ring pliers.



Good luck . . . . . .

 

[Smokin 90]

Thanks everyone for the help. Now that I know just what is involved it's time to get to work. maybe someday I'll have enough of this down so I can be as helpful to somebody else

 

[Philip]

Just watch and check everything over real good. You sould be able to handle it.



I'll be doing mine eather this week or early next week.

 

[sandbrew]

TTT for Njord