U-Joint Installation

[John Berger]

Well I just spent 5 hours installing a u-joint. First time I ever did one in my life. The problems I have been having with my pinion seal led me to give it a try. I haven't really had a chance to drive enough to tell if there is a difference. The truck feels better. Once the U-joint is installed on the drive shaft, should it turn easily or stiffly? Mine turned stiffly. The only way it would spin loosely I couldn't get both clips over the bearing caps. I shouldn't have a needle bearing laying in the bearing cup. The reason I know this is because I had to take it off because one did fall over So, do I have a problem. The truck really did feel better under acceleration. TIA.



John

 

[Joe G.]

A new one will be a little stiff. It should turn smoothly by hand, but not real easy. How did the ends of the old cross look? Did they have grooves? If not that may not have been your problem.

 

[John Berger]

I could turn the new one by hand, but it was stiff. The one that came off moved easily. I'm not sure the u-joint was the problem, but I'm in the elimination phase of this problem right now, so I figured why not. The u-joint by the center bearing looks like a booger. I might pay somebody to do that one

 

[jeepit]

Did you give it a good shot of grease after install?

 

[John Berger]

Yes I did.

 

[Joe G.]

John,



If the bearing surfaces of the old cross piece were smooth, then the u-joint was not your problem. If one gets loose it makes grooves in the bearing surface so you would feel some slack and might have heard a "clicking clang" when you put it in reverse.

 

[John Berger]

It wasn't grooved and there was no clanking type sound when I shifted into reverse. I just decided to change it because I had to learn how to do it sooner or later, so I figured why not. Plus I got a grease fitting on the new one. I really didn't think the u-joint was a problem and now I've eliminated one more possible cause to my leaking seal problem.

 

[Diesel Junkie]

To save some time and trouble next time you change a u-joint you can put it in the freezer for a few hours before install. This will shrink it so the caps are easier to install and sets the grease up stiff to help hold the needles in place.



Good luck,



Scott