Replacing U-Joints: Do You Prefer a Hammer or a Press?

A Hammer or a Press?


That's fine for little shit. You need something with some heft for bigger shit though. I prefer a ball peen for some stuff since that gives me two striking surfaces that do different things. I'm also not a fan of how far the claws stick out when I'm doing something with limited access.
 
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That's fine for little shit. You need something with some heft for bigger shit though. I prefer a ball peen for some stuff since that gives me two striking surfaces that do different things. I'm also not a fan of how far the claws stick out when I'm doing something with limited access.
I didn’t realize a ball peen hammer could be heavier than the claw hammer. Probably because I saw the post where the guy said he used 8oz.

What size/weight should I look for? Now I want to go out and buy one
 
I didn’t realize a ball peen hammer could be heavier than the claw hammer. Probably because I saw the post where the guy said he used 8oz.

What size/weight should I look for? Now I want to go out and buy one
8 oz. for center punches, tapping over cotter pin tails.
20-24 oz. for smacking the sides of trackbar mounts and similar to rattle tapers loose.
32 oz. for when stuff needs to understand who is the boss.
 
For years I used a hammer and socket, and attempted a Ball Joint Press a couple times, with little success. The last six u joints were done on a 20 ton press, in a fraction of the time, with no drama or issues. That said, you still need to know how to do the hammer method, for field repairs!
 
For years I used a hammer and socket, and attempted a Ball Joint Press a couple times, with little success. The last six u joints were done on a 20 ton press, in a fraction of the time, with no drama or issues. That said, you still need to know how to do the hammer method, for field repairs!
I have a 20 ton, 10 ton, and 6 ton press. I use them to straighten out yokes from folks who used presses.
 
Recently replaced my front u-joints, tried a hammer for the first few hours, nothing moved. Rented a press, 5 min later they were both out.
 
If the ears get bent slightly, is it okay if it is a little hard to turn but still moves? Or will it cause issues if it isn't as smooth as the others
 
If the ears get bent slightly, is it okay if it is a little hard to turn but still moves? Or will it cause issues if it isn't as smooth as the others
It could also be hard to turn but not bent, just because it is binding and needs to be hit with a hammer.
 
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It could also be hard to turn but not bent, just because it is binding and needs to be hit with a hammer.
I figured it was bent because the new u joint I couldn’t fit in the ear, I had to remove the boot to get it in. I saw the trick about hitting the ear with a hammer to free it, would that be easy enough to do with it still installed?
 
I figured it was bent because the new u joint I couldn’t fit in the ear, I had to remove the boot to get it in. I saw the trick about hitting the ear with a hammer to free it, would that be easy enough to do with it still installed?
I don’t think I follow you. By “it still installed”, so you mean the entire shaft is on the Jeep? Or do you mean they the ujoint is on the shaft?
 
I don’t think I follow you. By “it still installed”, so you mean the entire shaft is on the Jeep? Or do you mean they the ujoint is on the shaft?
Yes it is all back in the Jeep. I have driven it since I installed it, I’m not sure how long it would last if it binding before it becomes an issue
 
Yes it is all back in the Jeep. I have driven it since I installed it, I’m not sure how long it would last if it binding before it becomes an issue
Not sure. Hopefully a real expert will weight in.
 
Yes it is all back in the Jeep. I have driven it since I installed it, I’m not sure how long it would last if it binding before it becomes an issue
Mine was tight, lasted about 9 months but I’m glad it failed on the trail and not the highway.
 
8 oz. for center punches, tapping over cotter pin tails.
20-24 oz. for smacking the sides of trackbar mounts and similar to rattle tapers loose.
32 oz. for when stuff needs to understand who is the boss.
For Dana 60 axle joints my weapon of choice is a 40oz dead blow ball peen.
 
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