U-joint question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 406
Likes: 46
From: Lebanon OH
U-joint question
I just removed the half-shafts from my 79 to replace the u-joints. According to sources I've checked, the u-joints should press out of the half shafts. Unfortunately, I don't have a press.
I was thinking of using a large hammer and socket to knock the u-joint out. I was also thinking about cutting the u-joint out, then knocking the end caps out. I am concerned this could deform the half-shaft yokes, since the u-joints seem fairly fossilized into the half-shafts. So if these are not good ideas, I'm all ears.
Also, one of the retaining clips broke without coming out, so now I have no way of removing it with a pliers. Any suggestions? Thanks.
I was thinking of using a large hammer and socket to knock the u-joint out. I was also thinking about cutting the u-joint out, then knocking the end caps out. I am concerned this could deform the half-shaft yokes, since the u-joints seem fairly fossilized into the half-shafts. So if these are not good ideas, I'm all ears.
Also, one of the retaining clips broke without coming out, so now I have no way of removing it with a pliers. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 45
From: nassau co. new york
i just did this job and the driveshaft thrown in for good measure.whatever you do you must make a support flange to brace the wheel yokes or you will distort them.the socket vise pushout worked for me but one tip.keep rapping the vise with a hammer as you apply pressure to push them out.that will allow them to walk out in small steps rather than build tension.do not hit the yoke or shafts,rather rap the crap out of the vise.good luck as this job is somewhat harder than everyone makes it sound.like when you are done with the dentist.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
I use a bench vise and appropriate sockets to press them out. Use lots of penetrating oil. I like PB Blaster. With the broken ring, you should be able to press inside of it so the cap on the other side pops out, and the pry it out with a small screw driver, kind of like you would with spiro lox.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: York Pa.
Sounds like you have limited tools to do the job..which is no big deal at all..try harbor freight and get an electric grinder tool and cut the joint in half..they are probably really cheap and it should work fine...if that doesn't sute ya then try a machine shop to do the replacement..or you local shop that you may use..heck even an exhaust shop has a torch they can use to cut them out..can't charge but a few bucks to pound em out and in..I think I got it down to just a few minutes..but I got everything and do it quit often..there are other ways to remove them..but the grinder thing should work.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,454
Likes: 328
From: Indy Indiana
i bought a new press from a vendor at a swap meet for like 60$, its a lifetime tool.. good money spent.. if you are gonna work on your own car, it is good money to buy the right tools.. i use it for ujoints, bearings, unbending things, bending things, pressing in bushings...
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,911
Likes: 2
From: gold coast queensland
unless there is some serious corrosion and i mean serious there is no reason to cut or burn anything out with them. just undo the circlips and punch one end out with the socket and hammer like your mentioned and the other end comes out easy.
