Hey guys. For a while my Double Cardan rear driveshaft looks like its been slinging grease; its all over the bottom of the body tub and exhaust. If I keep it lubed should I be concerned? Or is it time for new joints?
U Joints slinging grease
- Thread starter Linderballs
- Start date
Could they have been over-greased? If they are loose, leaking any brown/rust-colored dust, etc. I'd replace them with sealed Spicer 5-1310x u-joints which are stronger/more-durable than greasable u-joints are. At least they are stronger than the type of greasable u-joint with a single grease zerk in the body.
Sounds like maybe they were over greased.
However, if they do need to be replaced, use the Spicer 5-1310x u-joints as Jerry suggested. It's a worthy upgrade, and they are sealed.
However, if they do need to be replaced, use the Spicer 5-1310x u-joints as Jerry suggested. It's a worthy upgrade, and they are sealed.
Another voice echoing Spicer 5-1310x. Greasable suck both from the pain in the ass maintenance schedule and the strength standpoint.
Head Lice
TJ Addict
OP
I found some on RockAuto.com, but it says it's for the front driveshaft on a canadian jeep. Are they all the same?
I'd get them off Amazon. Searching 5-1310x brings them up as the first result.
Yes they're all the same, and front and rear driveshafts use the same u-joints.
OP
Thanks you guys!! It's an aftermarket shaft I put in years ago after a SYE kit. Y'all have any links on how to ID an u joint?
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I'd bet big $$$ it is the normal/usual/regular 1310 size u-joint. This is the one I'd go for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009X1X91O/?tag=wranglerorg-20 which is the same one I recommended at the top of this thread.
Jerry is right, I'd bet money it's the typical 1310 size u-joint, in which case, the Spicer 5-1310X u-joint he linked to is the best upgrade / replacement you can get.
OP
Thanks! I've been looking for a reason to use my digital micrometer! I've been looking at videos online; do y'all think this is something one can do if he has a modicum of mechanical ability, but has never replaced a ujoint before? Out of curiosity I was just looking at the front driveshaft online; I didn't realize there was a double cardan on the front!
Yes. Double Cardan front driveshafts on the TJs.
You can do it, do a search for Stu Off-road where he has excellent how-to's for u-joints. Bookmark his site because he has all sorts of write-ups. All you need is the proper press and you can do it with some patience and a steady hand.
You can do it, do a search for Stu Off-road where he has excellent how-to's for u-joints. Bookmark his site because he has all sorts of write-ups. All you need is the proper press and you can do it with some patience and a steady hand.
One problem that new u-joint installers commonly cause is the u-joint to bind, caused by seating the bearing caps in a little too far/hard. That then presses on the u-joint body which binds it.
An easy way to relieve that binding is to use a BFH (big effing hammer) on the yoke that holds the u-joint to use inertia to drive the bearing cap back outward against the clips holding the bearing cap in place. Several mighty whacks on both sides of the yoke as shown is enough to relieve that most common type of u-joint binding.
An easy way to relieve that binding is to use a BFH (big effing hammer) on the yoke that holds the u-joint to use inertia to drive the bearing cap back outward against the clips holding the bearing cap in place. Several mighty whacks on both sides of the yoke as shown is enough to relieve that most common type of u-joint binding.
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Here's an article from Stu's site that I reposted on the forum:
Jeep Wrangler TJ u-joint replacement
Jeep Wrangler TJ u-joint replacement
OP
