Half-Shaft/U-Joint Help Needed
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 99
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From: Bossier City Louisiana
Half-Shaft/U-Joint Help Needed
Started rebuilding my half shafts this weekend. Tapped out the old u-joint caps with a hammer and socket . . . no problems. Tapped the new caps into the spindle flange end, installed the clips . . no problems. When I tried to install the u-joint/flange to the half shaft, I ran into a problem. I can't get the last cap to press in for enough to install the last clip. What am I doing wrong? 
One thing I forgot to mention, after I had problems with the first half-shaft, I moved on to the other half-shaft . . . same problem occurred, couldn't get the last clip in!
One thing I forgot to mention, after I had problems with the first half-shaft, I moved on to the other half-shaft . . . same problem occurred, couldn't get the last clip in!
Last edited by rondo73; Jun 18, 2006 at 05:17 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
they make a tool for that which is basically the spindle flange but heavier--I usually lay the flange over the 1/2 shaft and hit it and spread it before trying to put caps in.
Last edited by ...Roger...; Jun 18, 2006 at 05:30 PM.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 592
Likes: 4
From: Denmark
Sounds like you might have slightly bended the "ears" on your halfshaft, its very easy done.
You could try to gently "wack" it straight with a piece of wood and a hammer, or trimming the locking clips thinner.
If none of it works there might be a new halfshaft in your future
You could try to gently "wack" it straight with a piece of wood and a hammer, or trimming the locking clips thinner.
If none of it works there might be a new halfshaft in your future
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 325
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From: Partlow VA
What I have found when pressing U-joint caps into drive shafts, half shafts or flange ends is when you use a vise and socket to press the caps on; this process can close the gap (bend the ends) between the ends of the shafts where the clip needs to be. Once you have pressed the caps into the shaft using a vise and reasonable pressure (5-1/2 vice without a cheater bar) does not work. Stop!! Find a 4’’ piece of 2x4 and lay it on a hard surface. Take the end that needs to be recessed to install the clip lay it so you can hit it with a socket and hammer on the 2x4 and hit it until it just gets the point where you can install the clip. Repeat the process for the other clips. It is important you make sure all the needle bearing are in place before starting any part of the installation. 
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 439
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From: Mukilteo Washington
Originally Posted by Vettkeeper
What I have found when pressing U-joint caps into drive shafts, half shafts or flange ends is when you use a vise and socket to press the caps on; this process can close the gap (bend the ends) between the ends of the shafts where the clip needs to be. Once you have pressed the caps into the shaft using a vise and reasonable pressure (5-1/2 vice without a cheater bar) does not work. Stop!! Find a 4’’ piece of 2x4 and lay it on a hard surface. Take the end that needs to be recessed to install the clip lay it so you can hit it with a socket and hammer on the 2x4 and hit it until it just gets the point where you can install the clip. Repeat the process for the other clips. It is important you make sure all the needle bearing are in place before starting any part of the installation.
