2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Question about replacing u joints on axle shaft

[Silver Bullet Ram]

On my 2001 4x4 the drivers side is wore out. Do I need to pop the differential cover to remove the axle shaft or will it slide out once the hub is removed?

Thanks in advance.



Gary

 

[Bob4x4]

It will slide out but be very careful to not damage the seal during removal or re-instalation.



Bob

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

I have heard about this seal before, is it hard to replace, very expensive?



Gary

 

[abranz]

Technically difficult unless you have the right tool. The third member does have to come out to replace the axle seals.

Anthony

 

[Joe Mc]

Yes be very careful not to damage the seals, and make sure to put some white grease or other lube (vasolene works fine) on the surface of the shaft where it meets the seal before install - just a bit of insurance that the contact surfaces wont be dry during that first few turns once finished until the gear lube gets up and moving around.



I just did my axel joints over the weekend (didn't reinstall shafts yet, have to order new dust sheilds) thank goodness my neighbor has a 12 ton press as my bench vise dosen't open enough to R & R the u-joints. Even with the use of the press they still wouldn't budge with as much pressure as I felt comfortable with (a very good amount of pressure) I still had to use a little heat and then tap on the end of the shaft "POP!". This was required on both joints on both shafts. I was able to install new joints relatively easy by taping them in, clip on one side then tap other one in, then a little bit of help from the bench vise to bring it home, a little manuvering to get the other clip in and bingo done (3 more to go whoopie!). As always make sure to slide joint into, shaft end, cup on one side holding joint into the cup as you tap in about half way, then pull joint out of the half installed cup a bit (keeping it in contact with the pins) as you smoothly by hand push into shaft end in the other side until the cup goes on the joint enough to contact the pins. Then you are sure to have aligned and install both cups with out folding a pin or lodging it at the bottom of the cap between the joint. Have fun . . .

 

[johnls]

JoeMC, Are you talking about the dust shield for the back of the brake rotor or? If so where did you order them and how much? The guy that owned my truck before did not put the drivers side shield back on and I am about to rebuild the front end so would like to find one before I tear down.

 

[tgordon]

Just a little hint for the removal. You are not going to be reusing the joint, torch out the center. Saves a lot of time and stress.



Troy

 

[AKaiser]

Just a little hint for the removal. You are not going to be reusing the joint, torch out the center. Saves a lot of time and stress.



Troy

AMEN!!! I did these a few years ago on my old 99 gas 1500. Was a PITA, but a whole lot cheaper than a mechanic.

 

[tgordon]

I grew up doing them on PTO drivesahfts on farm equipment, after the first couple, say 30-40, they are not that bad. Now that I have moved and don't have access to the farm shop anymore I am attempting to do the C-V joint on the drive shaft. Never done one of those before, and am starting to hope to never do one again.



Troy

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

So these don't knock out like a regular u joint in a driveshaft then?

 

[ttbird]

Did mine last weekend 175,000 mi. I think that you could not use a large enough hammer to beat them out. I used a 20 ton shop press and they held out for quite awhile then sundenly popped free, don't think a hammer would work. If you don't have a shop press and can buy one at Harbor Freight, on sale for like 150. 00 then you will always have one. Not the best but for occasional use works fine. And you'll find alot of other uses for it. You would spend that much on labor

 

[tgordon]

Red Arrow is what dad has on the farm. On eof the cheap ones you put a bottle jack into. They do press out, but after being in there for a while they usually come out a little hard.

 

[SMorneau]

I have an uncle who used a torch to remove the joint while the axle was still in the truck and then he used a puller to put the new joint in without ever removing the hub. This was on a ford.

 

[Motorhead]

I have an uncle who used a torch to remove the joint while the axle was still in the truck and then he used a puller to put the new joint in without ever removing the hub. This was on a ford.

Tell us MORE! Oo. Sounds feasable.

Are we able to get lubable replacements??

 

[Joe Mc]

JoeMC, Are you talking about the dust shield for the back of the brake rotor or? If so where did you order them and how much? The guy that owned my truck before did not put the drivers side shield back on and I am about to rebuild the front end so would like to find one before I tear down.

My cost from Dealer was $24 for the shields and $4 for the spacers. Odd thing is there's no Left/Right part number for the shields says it's same part number? ? ? Pick them up tonight will see then?

 

[Pavemen]

dont forget to the clean up the hub flange and hole in the knuckle and apply some anti-seize to the back of the hub where it slides into the knuckle. this will help it come out easier next time.

 

[Joe Mc]

Good idea Pavemen - and the dust shield is exactly the same regardless of side. They aren't painted so make sure to prep, prime and paint.