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Hi all,
I just recently finished the 355 build on my 86 pacer. I'm super happy with it, it brought the car completely back to life. That said, I've noticed that even before the build, the car would clunk into gear and sometimes I'd get a rubbing/clicking feeling in the wheels. That's only gotten worse with the new engine. I replaced the front and rear wheel bearings and it did nothing to solve the problem, leading me to believe it's time to replace the u-joints. I've never done u-joints before, so I'm a bit weary as to what I'm doing here.
Is there a good thread on here somewhere about doing it on a c4? I've searched around but can't find anything in english (beginner level).
As with everything else, I want to do the work myself and save the money.
I'd really appreciate if someone could help me out,
Thanks guys
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
110 hits and not one answer. That really pisses me off.
OK there is only one way to get those half shafts outta there and that's to pull down the rear suspension camber links and spring. Oh yeah its a bunch of work but there is no other way. With the tires on the ground, using a block of wood carefully compress the spring and remove the end bolt. Then remove the camber links by removing the outboard attachment nut/bolt. Noe the rear hub assembly can be shifted enough to allow the half shaft to be removed. The shafts are identical so don't worry about getting them back to their rightful place nor about "clocking" the U-joints. Obviously, replace all four and find the solid Spicer joints not those drilled for grease fittings. Just remember that these shafts are aluminum and should not be dropped or dinged. Make sure the bearing cups have not rotated in the axle ends. Otherwise, find a drive shaft house for repairs.
Last edited by JrRifleCoach; Sep 21, 2015 at 06:00 PM.
I did my inner and outer on my passenger side this spring for the same noise.
Its actually really easy, just tedious, methodical.
be sure to mark the camber bolt so you can reinstall in same position. u will need to have both rear wheels off ground and able to rotate (neutral....block front wheels) so u can take the 7mm(8?) strap bolts off then rotate. if you have a wratcheting wrench set thatbwould be great. if not its just a bit tedious.
u can do it. if you run into issues, post questions bu can post right from the iphone with pics.
I used that thread when I did mine. A lot of marking to insure everything went back together as it was.
I also made a tool for the press to aid in pressing out the old ones and put the new ones in
Tool worked well and the instructions made it possible to do my own last year. The tool prevented putting too much pressure on the yoke of the half-shafts, only the side the cap was being pressed out on.
By the way, if you pull the dogbone at the outside end, you won't mess up your alignment.
you can also rent/borrow a hand held press from auto zone. if u dont have a place like autozone the press kits can be purchased for 75$ ish bucks. .
Originally Posted by hcbph
I used that thread when I did mine. A lot of marking to insure everything went back together as it was.
I also made a tool for the press to aid in pressing out the old ones and put the new ones in
Tool worked well and the instructions made it possible to do my own last year. The tool prevented putting too much pressure on the yoke of the half-shafts, only the side the cap was being pressed out on.
By the way, if you pull the dogbone at the outside end, you won't mess up your alignment.
Hi all,
I just recently finished the 355 build on my 86 pacer. I'm super happy with it, it brought the car completely back to life. That said, I've noticed that even before the build, the car would clunk into gear and sometimes I'd get a rubbing/clicking feeling in the wheels. That's only gotten worse with the new engine. I replaced the front and rear wheel bearings and it did nothing to solve the problem, leading me to believe it's time to replace the u-joints. I've never done u-joints before, so I'm a bit weary as to what I'm doing here.
Is there a good thread on here somewhere about doing it on a c4? I've searched around but can't find anything in english (beginner level).
As with everything else, I want to do the work myself and save the money.
I'd really appreciate if someone could help me out,
Thanks guys
I just did replace both half shaft u joints. Not too bad of a job really. Did a video of it that may help you. My biggest tip would be to get the tires solidly off the ground 4-6 inches, and once the half shaft u joints are disconnected at the yokes, use a small bottle jack under the hub to push the assembly away from the car, and providing some clearance to get the shaft out.
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86 U-Joint Replacement - Help
