U-joint Removal - Need Help/Suggestions
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
U-joint Removal - Need Help/Suggestions
Changing the my half-shaft u-joints and everything was going well until I got the the right outside joint. Got the straps off okay, but the bearing caps are frozen solid in the hub spindle.
Have soaked repeatedly with penetrating oil. I've tried wacking directly against the bearing caps to no effect. Trying to be careful and not pry against the aluminum halfshalf or damage the spindle yoke. Part of the problem is that the yoke is recessed inside the knuckle and it's hard to get to.
Decided to walk away for awhile before I got frustrated and did something stupid.
Any ideas or suggestions out there?
Thanks,
Mark
:confused: :confused: :confused:
Have soaked repeatedly with penetrating oil. I've tried wacking directly against the bearing caps to no effect. Trying to be careful and not pry against the aluminum halfshalf or damage the spindle yoke. Part of the problem is that the yoke is recessed inside the knuckle and it's hard to get to.
Decided to walk away for awhile before I got frustrated and did something stupid.
Any ideas or suggestions out there?
Thanks,
Mark
:confused: :confused: :confused:
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Escondido CA
Re: U-joint Removal - Need Help/Suggestions (90Z51Vette)
I would use a heavy punch on the bearing cap and try to shock it loose if there is no safe way to pry on it. Using a hammer and a punch should give you a bit more accuracy and direct impact.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,212
Likes: 10
From: Sun City West Az
Re: U-joint Removal - Need Help/Suggestions (xzvs)
How about reconnectiong the half shaft at the differ. ...reinstall the tire , and with the car in the air have someone pry outward on the tire with a pinch bar while you hit the half shaft with a rubber mallet. Possibly the mere prying on the tire could pop it loose.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Re: U-joint Removal - Need Help/Suggestions (ittlfly)
How about reconnectiong the half shaft at the differ. ...reinstall the tire , and with the car in the air have someone pry outward on the tire with a pinch bar while you hit the half shaft with a rubber mallet. Possibly the mere prying on the tire could pop it loose.
Thanks,
Mark
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,019
Likes: 0
From: down that one road next to that big tree
Re: U-joint Removal - Need Help/Suggestions (90Z51Vette)
the half shaft should fall out if you removed the clips holding it. the U joint will come out by putting the half shaft in a vice {wrapped well so you don't scar it} take clips off the end, get something like a 17-22mm deepwall impact socket and a framing hammer or body hammer. start tapping, wd-40 or slick 50 sprayed all over can sometimes help ujoints that are a lil stuck. you can reinstall doing the same thing in reverse but i would suggest a U joint press. they are more accurate, less jarring and have a lot less of a chance of something being slightly twisted on install. make sure you buy spicers ! :smash:
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,212
Likes: 10
From: Sun City West Az
Re: U-joint Removal - Need Help/Suggestions (90Z51Vette)
How about reconnectiong the half shaft at the differ. ...reinstall the tire , and with the car in the air have someone pry outward on the tire with a pinch bar while you hit the half shaft with a rubber mallet. Possibly the mere prying on the tire could pop it loose.
I already tried it except for the part about hitting the half-shaft with the rubber mallet. Thanks for the idea, I'll give it a try.
Thanks,
Mark
I already tried it except for the part about hitting the half-shaft with the rubber mallet. Thanks for the idea, I'll give it a try.
Thanks,
Mark
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Re: U-joint Removal - Need Help/Suggestions (gtsyellow)
the half shaft should fall out if you removed the clips holding it. the U joint will come out by putting the half shaft in a vice {wrapped well so you don't scar it} take clips off the end, get something like a 17-22mm deepwall impact socket and a framing hammer or body hammer. start tapping, wd-40 or slick 50 sprayed all over can sometimes help ujoints that are a lil stuck. you can reinstall doing the same thing in reverse but i would suggest a U joint press. they are more accurate, less jarring and have a lot less of a chance of something being slightly twisted on install. make sure you buy spicers ! :smash:
Thanks,
Mark
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
I had to take something like a thick screwdriver and wedge it between the u-joint and spindle and pry it out when it was rusted in place once. Soak it in something like WD-40 or Liquid Wrench overnight to help.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,063
Likes: 1,166
From: N. Alabama
Re: U-joint Removal - Need Help/Suggestions (90Z51Vette)
propane torch is best method if you have access. If not, soaking and malletizing is the only way. You might have to work up a mad at it to give you that extra little punch. :smash:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 927
Likes: 0
From: Saginaw TX
Re: U-joint Removal - Need Help/Suggestions (southern_son)
Here's another suggestion. Take a 36 mm socket and remove the spindle nut and remove the entire spindle/halfshaft assembly and then you will be able to get at that pesky U-joint and apply the proper persuasion.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Re: U-joint Removal - Need Help/Suggestions (mash557)
Here's another suggestion. Take a 36 mm socket and remove the spindle nut and remove the entire spindle/halfshaft assembly and then you will be able to get at that pesky U-joint and apply the proper persuasion.
Thanks for the advice.
Mark
:cheers:
