U Joints
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
U Joints
Im a new corvette owner and I have a 1976 that needs all the U-joints changing. How hard is it? and does anyone have any specil tips that will help me out. I brought the brutt force u joints and by no means am I a machanic but ive looked at them and think i could do it. Will i be able to do this my self?
Thanks
Geoff.
Thanks
Geoff.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,173
Likes: 3,982
From: Connecticut, USA
Hi Geoff,
The Brute Force joints aren't bad, although I would use Spicer first. Actually you might find the Brute Force install a little easier though.
To remove the 1/2 shaft joints the best way is to cut out the center section(cross) with a torch. The heat will generate to the caps and you'll be able to knock them out with a punch. Polish the yoke bores with emery and start them by lightly tapping in alignment. then I use a socket on the cap and vise to press them in until the cap is in the yoke then I finsh in a press. Some guys like to use a hammer, vise, press to remove them but the torch or even a die grinder works without distorting them. The driveshaft will be easier.
When you get to the flange you have to bolt it to a plate so it doesn't bend. Again some guys say you don'y need the plate if using a torch or vise but I always do. The Spicers are less forgiving them the others too.
Look at yours to see if they have a flat spot near the yokes where someone overtighten them in a vise before.
let me know if you need any help
Gary
The Brute Force joints aren't bad, although I would use Spicer first. Actually you might find the Brute Force install a little easier though.
To remove the 1/2 shaft joints the best way is to cut out the center section(cross) with a torch. The heat will generate to the caps and you'll be able to knock them out with a punch. Polish the yoke bores with emery and start them by lightly tapping in alignment. then I use a socket on the cap and vise to press them in until the cap is in the yoke then I finsh in a press. Some guys like to use a hammer, vise, press to remove them but the torch or even a die grinder works without distorting them. The driveshaft will be easier.
When you get to the flange you have to bolt it to a plate so it doesn't bend. Again some guys say you don'y need the plate if using a torch or vise but I always do. The Spicers are less forgiving them the others too.
Look at yours to see if they have a flat spot near the yokes where someone overtighten them in a vise before.
let me know if you need any help
Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Originally Posted by gtr1999
When you get to the flange you have to bolt it to a plate so it doesn't bend.
