Broken U joint clips
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 246
Likes: 12
From: middletown, de
Broken U joint clips
I have the rear suspension out of my 70 to upgrade to a Van Steel coil over system and trailing arms. I also ordered new U joints. When trying to remove the old U joints (seem original) I broke the retaining clip. Are there any magic tricks to getting that clip out?
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 249
From: Carson Valley
Is the broken end flush with the yoke, or did is there a little curved end on it?
If there's a little curved end, get behind it with a small screw driver and tap it out with a hammer.
If there's a little curved end, get behind it with a small screw driver and tap it out with a hammer.
Last edited by AKjeff; Apr 4, 2022 at 06:19 PM. Reason: moved a comma
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: mount holly NC
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If you're changing the half shaft u-joints Bolt the HS ends together so you don't bend the flange or buy the tool.
Mark the driveshaft so it goes back in the same way.
Mark the driveshaft so it goes back in the same way.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 246
Likes: 12
From: middletown, de
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,654
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From: Indiana
I would try a small sharp chisel and strike down at the middle part and pick it out as tension gone and already brittle.
@Peterbuilt i bolted mine together and it still bent ! Made the tool.
op i have a bunch extra clips if you need some i can mail if you cannot find and not replacing.
@Peterbuilt i bolted mine together and it still bent ! Made the tool.
op i have a bunch extra clips if you need some i can mail if you cannot find and not replacing.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Connecticut, USA
Put the shafts in a vise, I have a Rigid pipe tripod that I use, and burn out the cross with an Oxy/Ace torch, the clips are not a concern with old joints, trying to press them out is tough. Burning makes it a lot easier.
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Plus it is SO satisfying!
Important safety tip - a hot cross looks like a cold cross!
Important safety tip - a hot cross looks like a cold cross!