How to Replace Universal Joints

Replacing universal joints refers to changing the couplings at either end of the drive shaft, which are an integral component of the suspension system of a vehicle. This process isn't complicated, so anyone with garage access and a moderate amount of automotive experience can accomplish this repair task on their own. Follow these steps for how to replace universal joints.

Steps

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    Lift up the front end of a vehicle with a floor jack.[1]
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    Place jack stands under the front end of the frame to ensure stability.[2]
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    Empty the transmission fluid in order to prevent it from leaking.
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    Dislodge the fill plug for the transmission.
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    Prepare a container for the fluid and disengage the transmission's drain plug.
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    Ensure the integrity of the driveshaft assembly by creating reference marks.[3]
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    Detach the mounting clips or bolts which hold the driveshaft to the transmission.
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    Remove the driveshaft by dislodging the yoke from the transmission.[4]
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    Prevent the jostling of the needle bearings by securing the bearing caps with tape.
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    Stabilize the driveshaft in a vise.
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    Remove the tape.
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    Dislodge the bearings from the yoke by detaching the retaining rings.
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    Use variously sized sockets along with the leverage supplied by the vise, to force the bearing caps from the yoke.
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    Use pliers to remove the caps as they are pushed through the assembly.
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    Flip the drive shaft around in the vise and repeat the preceding process on the other end.
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    Dislodge the universal joint from the both the yoke and the driveshaft.
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    Remove all dirt and debris from the entire drive shaft assembly, assuring that it is completely clean.
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    Apply a small amount of grease to the replacement caps.
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    Replace the bearing cap by inserting it partially into the yoke.[5]
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    Begin installing the universal joint into the cap.
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    Insert the opposing cap, partially.
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    Line up the universal joint and push the caps into place using a press machine.
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    Insert the retaining rings.
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    Lift the driveshaft into position.
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    Confirm that the yoke is properly aligned with the shaft of the transmission.
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    Consult your reference lines to ensure proper reinstallation of the driveshaft.
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    Reattach the universal joint mounting clamps or clips.
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    Insert the grease fitting and apply grease.[6]
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    Inspect the universal joint to confirm proper installation.
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    Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle.
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    Confirm that the transmission drain plug has been reinserted and refill the transmission with fluid.[7]
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    Replace the fill plug.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    What are signs of worn out suspension?
    Ed Beery
    Ed Beery
    Automotive Specialist
    Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified.
    Ed Beery
    Ed Beery
    Automotive Specialist
    Expert Answer
    The signs of suspension problems include: clunking sounds when hitting holes or speed bumps, vehicle pulling to one side, uneven tire wear and hard or loose steering.
  • Question
    Is car suspension expensive to fix?
    Ed Beery
    Ed Beery
    Automotive Specialist
    Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified.
    Ed Beery
    Ed Beery
    Automotive Specialist
    Expert Answer
    It will depend on what's gone bad. Vehicle suspension systems are made up of many different parts. Some parts may be going bad, but the entire system will not go bad at one time.
  • Question
    Can the 2 rear joints be changed without having to remove or disturb the carrier bearing on a 92 f-150 extended cab truck?
    Uglymug18
    Uglymug18
    Community Answer
    The front and rear section of the drive shaft are spliced together at the carrier bearing so yes, you can remove just the rear section.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/car-repair/how-to-safely-jack-up-your-vehicle/
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2XdxPJnpNE
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gOeBE-ylQw
  4. ↑ https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/car-projects/how-to-replace-u-joints
  5. ↑ https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/car-projects/how-to-replace-a-u-joint
  6. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a86/1272541/
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb_1wbiPz9g
  8. https://www.automd.com/174/how-to-replace-a-ujoint/
  9. http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/ujoint1/u-joint-1.htm
  1. http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/transfluid.htm

About This Article

Ed Beery
Co-authored by:
Ed Beery
Automotive Specialist
This article was co-authored by Ed Beery. Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. This article has been viewed 104,758 times.
14 votes - 78%
Co-authors: 6
Updated: July 18, 2020
Views: 104,758
Categories: Transmission Parts
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