U joint replacement How to?
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Pro
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: smithfield nc usa 27577
U joint replacement How to?
Is there any easy way to replace the drive shaft rear U joint?
I am about to start on it, I do not have a lift. It doesn't look very easy. It looks like you need to undo the front one, drop the drive shaft just to get to the rear u joint. Do you have to remove the brace from the differential to the cross brace? It's dark and I am getting eaten by mosquitoes and I am about to start this endeavor....
Any help would be great....Thanks Kyle
I am about to start on it, I do not have a lift. It doesn't look very easy. It looks like you need to undo the front one, drop the drive shaft just to get to the rear u joint. Do you have to remove the brace from the differential to the cross brace? It's dark and I am getting eaten by mosquitoes and I am about to start this endeavor....
Any help would be great....Thanks Kyle
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Pro
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: smithfield nc usa 27577
Re: U joint replacement How to? (Kyle69-71 BBs)
Well, we got it done...
It wasnt as hard as all the mechanics that turned down the job told me. My friend and I knocked it out in a couple of hours...
Here is what we did;
Jacked up the back and set it on stands. Started at the differential, undid the vibration damper, undid the two bolts in the front end of the brace and loosened the single long bolt at the back. Disconnected the bracket that holds the parking brake cable. Undid the rear u joint, then moved to the front and undid the front one. Separated the front, dropped the front of the drive shaft, then we were able to slid it out, forwards. Replaced the u joint then put it all back together. Had to pry a little on the back of the vibration damper to get it back together, but it really wasnt too bad.
It's ridiculous that no one wanted to do the job, just because its a Corvette. Total cost was the ujoint and a chicken dinner, with my wifes homemade brownie, for the friend who was skinny enough to fit under the car... :jester
The next job is to replace the clutch in the 95 vette, that will probably cost at least a whole pan of brownies..... :lol:
It wasnt as hard as all the mechanics that turned down the job told me. My friend and I knocked it out in a couple of hours...
Here is what we did;
Jacked up the back and set it on stands. Started at the differential, undid the vibration damper, undid the two bolts in the front end of the brace and loosened the single long bolt at the back. Disconnected the bracket that holds the parking brake cable. Undid the rear u joint, then moved to the front and undid the front one. Separated the front, dropped the front of the drive shaft, then we were able to slid it out, forwards. Replaced the u joint then put it all back together. Had to pry a little on the back of the vibration damper to get it back together, but it really wasnt too bad.
It's ridiculous that no one wanted to do the job, just because its a Corvette. Total cost was the ujoint and a chicken dinner, with my wifes homemade brownie, for the friend who was skinny enough to fit under the car... :jester
The next job is to replace the clutch in the 95 vette, that will probably cost at least a whole pan of brownies..... :lol:
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: U joint replacement How to? (Kyle69-71 BBs)
Don't understand why the job would be turned down. As you found out, it's really a pretty straight forward job....remove the driveshaft...push out the old U Joint...re-install. My thoughts???? You're better off doing it yourself, along with your friends. That's what Corvette Clubs are all about. And....the price was right :) Chuck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Calhoun, GA_______ Let It Rock
Re: U joint replacement How to? (Kyle69-71 BBs)
I couldn't find anyone to rebuild the f/e of my 66. I had rebuilt a f/e before, so I knew the job. Also, most of the local bodyshops will not do any restorations anymore - said they make more money on insurance claim repairs. I just can't understand turning down work. If I had my own business, I think I would be accepting EVERYTHING...
