U-Joint Installation
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
From: Fairfield PA
U-Joint Installation
I am currently rebuilding the rear of my 80 Corvette and bought all new u-joints for the halfshafts and drive shaft. I had to tap the old ones out of the shafts with roller bearings going everwere.
What is the best way to get the new u-joints in the shafts without the roller bearings falling out of the caps?
What is the best way to get the new u-joints in the shafts without the roller bearings falling out of the caps?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,921
Likes: 0
From: GA "When I grow up, I'm gonna get a Trans Am and run from the cops". Direct quote from my 4yo son.
Generally you need some type of a press to put in u joints. The old hammer method just isn't that good. On the new joints there is usually enough grease in there to hold the bearings in place. My method for changing them is quite frankly let someone else do it that has the right equipment. I took the drive shaft out of my '80 and took it to a shop and they charged me $10 per joint. Sometimes it's worth spending a couple of dollars just to prevent a headache. However, if I had a shop press I'd do it myself.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
I've been wondering about this also.
I went up to CT to drop my TA's off to GTR1999 this weekend and he showed me a setup he uses for the U-joints that prevents the flange that mounts to the TA spindal from bending. Apparently when using a press or hammer these bend very easily. Be very careful of this.
Spicer Ujoints also are a much tighter fit so if this flange is bent you won't get them in.
I'd like to take mine to someone and watch them do it the right way so I know for next time.
Let me know how this works out.
Good luck.
-B
I went up to CT to drop my TA's off to GTR1999 this weekend and he showed me a setup he uses for the U-joints that prevents the flange that mounts to the TA spindal from bending. Apparently when using a press or hammer these bend very easily. Be very careful of this.
Spicer Ujoints also are a much tighter fit so if this flange is bent you won't get them in.
I'd like to take mine to someone and watch them do it the right way so I know for next time.
Let me know how this works out.
Good luck.
-B
