Removing untreated U-joints??
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 825
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Removing untreated U-joints??
I have been trying to get the old u-joints out of my half shafts but they dont want to move at all. I have the feeling the caps were not for aluminum and there is electrical continuity between the two, they also look like they have been on the car for some time. Does anybody know of any good ways to get these guys out?
Thanks
Thanks
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 825
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Yeah I have access to a press that I could try over the weekend, but thanks for the offer. I was trying to get them out with my vise and I was really cranking down on it to the point I feared breaking something or ruining the shaft, will a press pop these out pretty easily?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
I had pulled out my driveshaft and had a shop pop the old ones out and put the new ones in. The guy at the shop said something like, "Those must be the originals, they still had the little tack weld on them to hold them in." I didn't see this and hadn't heard of it either but...
Bogus or not, worth double checking to see if yours has it.
Bogus or not, worth double checking to see if yours has it.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
talked to a major driveline shop, that BS about non corrosion is just that, BS. Dana doesn't even list those coated caps anymore. The easiest way to get those out at home is to remove the end clips in the shaft, take a socket that's slightly smaller than the cap. wrap a towel around the shaft, place in vice and smack the socket you chose once it's placed on the cap. basically you just beat them out, once one of the caps falls you should be able to pull the joint out. some of the thick spicers have to be beat both directions though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
I chaged my drivers side joints a few weekes ago. I used a cheap U-Joint press kit from Harbor freight. It worked very well. If I remember correctly I pushed the joint through as far as it would go then I poped the cap off. Then I went in the opposite direction until it came out or I was able to get the other cap off. If it was me I would not beat on it with a hammer. When mine were finally out I could see some metal flakes sticking up on the outer edges of the holes maybe from wear. I grinded them down just enough to smooth it out. I think beating it too hard could possibly damage something or give you trouble reassembling. The local shop want $10 to do it. That's your other option.
Last edited by rickneworleansla; Mar 14, 2008 at 11:34 AM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
Try a little PB Blaster penetrating fluid on the two caps and let it sit over night. Then either use the vice or a BIGGER HAMMER.
I always use antisieze on the caps when installing. They slide in easier and when you want to get them out, they come out easier.
I always use antisieze on the caps when installing. They slide in easier and when you want to get them out, they come out easier.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 4
From: Mexico Beach FL
I used to live in PA and had problems removing U-Joints on many vehicles.
Now that I live in FL, I haven't had trouble on any.
I think it makes a big difference if the vehicle has been run where salt is put on the roads.
Tom Piper
Now that I live in FL, I haven't had trouble on any.
I think it makes a big difference if the vehicle has been run where salt is put on the roads.
Tom Piper
Last edited by Tom Piper; Mar 15, 2008 at 08:07 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 825
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
As a follow up I was able to get them out using a press. Its to bad the gauge on it was broken as I would have liked to know how much it took to get them out because my 40oz sledge, 8in vise and the handle off my floor jack for a cheater, u-joint press and an IR 2135 impact, and 6 pack all had no effect.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
^^Well understand they move when you put "X" amount of force on them by using a press like you did, or creating a "Moment" of force AKA as impact or using a velocity of a big hammer.
I always go against my nature with U-joints. I try to be smart and work them out somehow.
Ultimately the no-name socket and 4lbs hammer are the ones that perform the task.
u-joints by nature/design are a beeaatch to get out.
I always go against my nature with U-joints. I try to be smart and work them out somehow.
Ultimately the no-name socket and 4lbs hammer are the ones that perform the task.
u-joints by nature/design are a beeaatch to get out.
