Axle u-joint: is axle nut mandatory?

cpwolf

Texan
Supporting Member
Joined
Jun 15, 2020
Messages
1,604
Location
TEXAS - Cedar Park
Random question, but I’ve pulled the axle without taking off the axle but a couple times, for other projects.

I’m replacing axle U Joints and wondering if it’s absolutely necessary to pull the axle nut etc?

I’ll do it, but just wondering if anyone has easily done the u joints without disassembling that end stub?
 
Random question, but I’ve pulled the axle without taking off the axle but a couple times, for other projects.

I’m replacing axle U Joints and wondering if it’s absolutely necessary to pull the axle nut etc?

I’ll do it, but just wondering if anyone has easily done the u joints without disassembling that end stub?

I would think it is theoretically possible. I would just imagine it being a lot harder to press the new u joints in with the extra weight of the hub assembly connected. I would think it would be easier to take that off, but I am in the southwest where stuff on our TJs come off a lot easier than other parts of the country!
 
Random question, but I’ve pulled the axle without taking off the axle but a couple times, for other projects.

I’m replacing axle U Joints and wondering if it’s absolutely necessary to pull the axle nut etc?

I’ll do it, but just wondering if anyone has easily done the u joints without disassembling that end stub?

It is far more difficult to leave the unit bearing attached to the stub shaft for a u-joint replacement than any other way. Pull it out of the unit bearing or you will hate yourself when you blow out the end of a joint cap due to a needle bearing that fell over because you're trying to fiddle with too much crap.
 
It is far more difficult to leave the unit bearing attached to the stub shaft for a u-joint replacement than any other way. Pull it out of the unit bearing or you will hate yourself when you blow out the end of a joint cap due to a needle bearing that fell over because you're trying to fiddle with too much crap.

Agreed!
 
I would think it is theoretically possible. I would just imagine it being a lot harder to press the new u joints in with the extra weight of the hub assembly connected. I would think it would be easier to take that off, but I am in the southwest where stuff on our TJs come off a lot easier than other parts of the country!

All good, I’m in Texas and my stuff usually comes apart relatively easy, I was just wondering. I don’t have a 36mm, but I’m heading to get one now. Rented the axle nut kit from Autozone, but need to own one.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JHammett
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015UWVKQ/?tag=wranglerorg-20

61VwVCMiCpL._AC_SX569_.jpg
 
It is far more difficult to leave the unit bearing attached to the stub shaft for a u-joint replacement than any other way. Pull it out of the unit bearing or you will hate yourself when you blow out the end of a joint cap due to a needle bearing that fell over because you're trying to fiddle with too much crap.

Yep it can be done but man does it suck. It is a good excuse to slather everything with anti seize while you are there too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: hear
I was wondering the same thing, so this topic was timely. Let's you inspect things while you're there too. I've heard tell that its possible to change the exhaust system without removing the belly skid (!!) but WHY would one put themselves through that? Thanks to Blaine's answer, it would seem this situation is much the same. I actually bought the 36mm socket a couple of weeks ago.