Front driveshaft u-joint removal

[KCsTJ]

The front axle u joints have no end cap clips.

Do i use a press, or brute force with a big hammer.... no clips to remove .
How is the best way to remove the u joint?

 

[MaloStapalo]

I used a ball joint press C style. They just pop out.

Edit: dont forget to remove the retaining clips on the inner side of the u joint

 

[derekmac]

If they're the factory u-joints then I believe they have plastic injected in them. Take a torch to them to melt it (you'll see it come out of the injection hole) then they'll press right out.

 

[KCsTJ]

If they're the factory u-joints then I believe they have plastic injected in them. Take a torch to them to melt it (you'll see it come out of the injection hole) then they'll press right out.

Pretty sure its factory u joints. I got the c clups out.
Ill try your idea. Thanks guys !

 

[Tigerman]

I used an impact socket on the bottom to catch and a hammer.

(1 minute between 2' to 3' in the video)

 

[fljeeper]

On the front axleshafts there is a retaining clip on the inner side of the cup. If you try to remove it before removing the clip you may damage the shaft ears.

 

[MaloStapalo]

On the front axleshafts there is a retaining clip on the inner side of the cup. If you try to remove it before removing the clip you may damage the shaft ears.

That's correct there is the little retaining clips on the inside of the U joints

 

[DuncLJ]

 

[Jerry Bransford]

That's a good video. When seating the bearing caps of the new u-joints, make sure you don't drive them in too far or the u-joint will bind. If you accidentally get the bearing caps seated too deeply as indicated by the u-joint not moving freely, a few smacks on the ears holding the u-joint will make use of inertia to move the bearing cap outward enough to allow the u-joint to move freely.

 

[Jason06]

That vid is a huge help for me. I bought a 2006 Rubicon two weeks ago and I need to replace the front u-joints.

 

[KCsTJ]

I had no luck. I ended up taking my front axles to a local driveshaft shop.
I provided the Spicer u joints, they charged me $80 for both axles to remove the factory u joints and install the Spicera.

 

[AndyG]

The Teflon injected deal is unreal ....takes a lot of heat to get them free.

 

[jjvw]

The Teflon injected deal is unreal ....takes a lot of heat to get them free.

Mine had the injected plastic on the front drive shaft, but not the axle shafts. Was that a thing that was done?

I used MAPP gas and a ball joint press the rebuild the drive shaft. The first u joint was daunting and pretty noisy when it popped.

 

[KCsTJ]

The owner of the local driveshaft shop told me he had to 'fabricate a special tool' in order to remove the factory u joints. Idk if he was feeding me a line to get more money, but when i cringed at $50 per u joint, he came down to $40.

But what disappointed me was that it looks like he re-installed the factory ujoint caps. I was hoping to see the typical c clips like on driveshaft u joints, so i could remove them if need be in the future.
He did a good job and they work fine.

Heres a tip... if you provide parts to be installed, consider marking them with a tool mark, or your initials, or paint, makes it harder for a dishonest shop to switch out parts unbeknownst to the customer.
In this case, i used my white out and put some white dots on both sides of the ujoints as ID. The installer gets the message as well.

 

[jjvw]

The inner clips are the only way to secure the caps in that confined space.

The custom tool is odd. I've rebuilt two pairs of axle shafts with just a hammer and sockets. Both went down the same way. The first time, I even left the unit bearings on because I didn't have a 36mm socket.

 

[KCsTJ]

The inner clips are the only way to secure the caps in that confined space.

The custom tool is odd. I've rebuilt two pairs of axle shafts with just a hammer and sockets. Both went down the same way. The first time, I even left the unit bearings on because I didn't have a 36mm socket.

Ok, thanks @jjvw . I asked the shop owner if he had the option to use outside clips and he said just what you said jjvw, they are designed with the inner c clips.
So i guess he was honest. I still like doing stuff myself..

 

[C.J. Roberts]

I used a 3/4" socket I didn't care about, a vice, and a hammer. Open the vice to set the axle on, set socket on top of u-joint, and pound away.

 

[KCsTJ]

Thats my first problem, no vise .. :-/.
Its on the priority list.

 

[jjvw]

Thats my first problem, no vise .. :-/.
Its on the priority list.

A concrete curb works just a well. Anything that can be used as an anvil. I have used the edge of a loading dock once.

 

[C.J. Roberts]

A concrete curb works just a well. Anything that can be used as an anvil. I have used the edge of a loading dock once.

Right. I used the vice because I had one. If needed, you can always use an old socket of the right size.