U-joint installation time?
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Warner Robins GA
U-joint installation time?
I'm about to replace the passenger side rear halfshaft u-joint. I've never replaced one before but I've read Scorp's procedure (http://personal.tmlp.com/scorp/vette/images/ujoints/index.html) a few times and feel comfortable with it.
How long should this take me, start to finish? Also, does the caliper have to come off? It doesn't say anything about it in the procedure, but it doesn't seem to be there in the picture.
How long should this take me, start to finish? Also, does the caliper have to come off? It doesn't say anything about it in the procedure, but it doesn't seem to be there in the picture.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,606
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From: Las Cruces NM
Re: U-joint installation time? (Tourney3p0)
Once you get the car in the air, you'll be able to get to the spider bolts(tiny 8mm bolts) that hold the straps over the U-joints. You should only have to remove the spare tire/holder, rear section of exhaust and possibly the endbolts on the rear spring to gain access. Put your tranny in neutral so you can turn the wheels to get to each of the 8(four on each side of the half shaft) spider bolts.
Good luck
Chris
Good luck
Chris
Thread Starter
Pro
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From: Warner Robins GA
Re: U-joint installation time? (okinawa86vette)
You should only have to remove the spare tire/holder, rear section of exhaust and possibly the endbolts on the rear spring to gain access.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
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From: Kempner Texas
Re: U-joint installation time? (okinawa86vette)
When I did both half shafts on my 86 a couple of years ago, it took me about 6 hours, start to finish.
I'd never done a Vette before so it was a learning curve which ate up time.
Jake
I'd never done a Vette before so it was a learning curve which ate up time.
Jake
Thread Starter
Pro
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From: Warner Robins GA
Re: U-joint installation time? (JAKE)
When I did both half shafts on my 86 a couple of years ago, it took me about 6 hours, start to finish.
What about it took the longest? Did you have to drop the spare tire and exhaust also? I was guessing about an hour judging by Scorp's write up, but it looks like it won't be that easy.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
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From: Kempner Texas
Re: U-joint installation time? (Tourney3p0)
Dropping the spare tire carrier is a piece of cake.
On my 86, I didn't remove my exhaust either, but some years may be different.
There's more than one way to do this job. I haven't read it, but I suspect Scorp's procedure is better.
Hardest part for me was getting the half shaft out. Once the eight bolts are removed from the straps, the shaft DOESN'T just drop out. I had to disconnect one of the suspension points to allow me to push the wheel/tire outward in order to get the shaft out.
If I remember correctly, I marked the rear adjuster so I could replace it in the same position and disconnected it to allow the rear tires to be forced outward. I think I also had to unbolt the rear spring (one bolt/nut on each side).
I didn't have a book showing the procedure so I just figured it out as I went along.
Used two sockets and my bench vise to press the new joints off/on.
Jake
[Modified by JAKE, 5:27 PM 1/11/2004]
On my 86, I didn't remove my exhaust either, but some years may be different.
There's more than one way to do this job. I haven't read it, but I suspect Scorp's procedure is better.
Hardest part for me was getting the half shaft out. Once the eight bolts are removed from the straps, the shaft DOESN'T just drop out. I had to disconnect one of the suspension points to allow me to push the wheel/tire outward in order to get the shaft out.
If I remember correctly, I marked the rear adjuster so I could replace it in the same position and disconnected it to allow the rear tires to be forced outward. I think I also had to unbolt the rear spring (one bolt/nut on each side).
I didn't have a book showing the procedure so I just figured it out as I went along.
Used two sockets and my bench vise to press the new joints off/on.
Jake
[Modified by JAKE, 5:27 PM 1/11/2004]
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 1
From: Las Cruces NM
Re: U-joint installation time? (JAKE)
Sorry, I forgot about unbolting the lower camber arms to get the half shafts out. Once you know what to do, it doesn't take very long. Last time I swapped the rear end, it took me about 6 hours start to finish alone and I wasn't rushing. First time too about the same, but with a friend helping unbolt stuff.
Chris
Chris
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From: Orange County California
Re: U-joint installation time? (Tourney3p0)
I am doing that this today... If I were to do it again, I think I would take it to a mechanic. I followed Scorps easy to follow instructions... (Thanks Scorp! :) ) When it came to getting the U-joint off of the half shaft, I almost broke my vice. I think my vice is kinda old and just a little small for the job and cant do this job. Im going to take the shaft down to a macine shop and have them replace the U-joints. So far, Ive spent more than three hours doing it... It took me a while to figure out that the camber brace does not hammer down as in scorps instructions... Also, it took me a while to figure out how to remove the bolts that hold the shaft in: --> You need to rotate the bolts to the top on the middle and the bottm on the wheel side in order to be able to fit a socket over the bolts.
Good luck with the job if you decide to do it yourself... Its really not that hard, but like I said, the U-joints are harder than hell to get out. :smash:
Good luck with the job if you decide to do it yourself... Its really not that hard, but like I said, the U-joints are harder than hell to get out. :smash:
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 1
From: Las Cruces NM
Re: U-joint installation time? (McShagger)
It's easier if you use a crescent wrench. I was never able to get a socket on the bolts. Plenty of liquid wrench is a good idea if the bolts haven't been budged in a while.
Also, I got the old U-joints out w/o a vise. I used a large socket, big enough to fit the U-joint end cap in and put that under the half shaft. Then I used an old socket that was about the same size(outside diameter) as the U-joint and hammered down on it. The end not being hammered on will go into the socket. And after some fussing with it, going back and forth, eventually one end cap will be able to be pulled off.
The trick is to use sockets you're not too fond of and a big hammer. A little penetrating oil doesn't hurt either.
Chris
Also, I got the old U-joints out w/o a vise. I used a large socket, big enough to fit the U-joint end cap in and put that under the half shaft. Then I used an old socket that was about the same size(outside diameter) as the U-joint and hammered down on it. The end not being hammered on will go into the socket. And after some fussing with it, going back and forth, eventually one end cap will be able to be pulled off.
The trick is to use sockets you're not too fond of and a big hammer. A little penetrating oil doesn't hurt either.
Chris
Safety Car
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From: Orange County California
Re: U-joint installation time? (okinawa86vette)
I tried doing that as well... but the U-joint would hardly budge. I used an old steel sprinker pipe for better impact though... Since neither of them seemed to be coming out, I decided that it wasnt worth me bending or breaking the half shaft so Im going to let a pro do it. :D
Thread Starter
Pro
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From: Warner Robins GA
Re: U-joint installation time? (McShagger)
From what I gather, actually getting the halfshaft out takes up the bulk of the time. If I can get that finished I wouldn't mind taking the halfshaft to a pro and paying a few bucks for that.. but that's only after I give it a try myself.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 873
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From: Whittier ca
Re: U-joint installation time? (Tourney3p0)
Here's a tech tip write up that's pretty complete - I did'nt look but I think Scorp did the write up with photos
http://personal.tmlp.com/scorp/vette/images/ujoints/
http://personal.tmlp.com/scorp/vette/images/ujoints/
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 715
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From: Warner Robins GA
Re: U-joint installation time? (subman)
Here's a tech tip write up that's pretty complete - I did'nt look but I think Scorp did the write up with photos
http://personal.tmlp.com/scorp/vette/images/ujoints/
http://personal.tmlp.com/scorp/vette/images/ujoints/
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,833
Likes: 0
From: Orange County California
Re: U-joint installation time? (Tourney3p0)
From what I gather, actually getting the halfshaft out takes up the bulk of the time. If I can get that finished I wouldn't mind taking the halfshaft to a pro and paying a few bucks for that.. but that's only after I give it a try myself.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 515
Likes: 0
From: Everett WA
Re: U-joint installation time? (McShagger)
i used scorps write up too.
i think it took me an hour each side to remove things. i dont remember removing the spair.... but i do remember almost killing myself after forgetting to put something (a jack) under the spring before its let loose...
it took me all day R&I the actual joints at a friends house with his vice. i didnt want to break anything, so we went nice and slow... (and didnt get anywhere for 2 hours :mad :eek: :D :smash: :crazy: :lol: ) i know that if i were to do it again, i could have thoes joints R&I'ed in under 2 hours, with my friends help. the install took about 40 mins each side.
this was all part of a larger work-a-thon so the car was up, and apart already.
[Modified by NightRyder, 11:15 PM 1/12/2004]
i think it took me an hour each side to remove things. i dont remember removing the spair.... but i do remember almost killing myself after forgetting to put something (a jack) under the spring before its let loose...
it took me all day R&I the actual joints at a friends house with his vice. i didnt want to break anything, so we went nice and slow... (and didnt get anywhere for 2 hours :mad :eek: :D :smash: :crazy: :lol: ) i know that if i were to do it again, i could have thoes joints R&I'ed in under 2 hours, with my friends help. the install took about 40 mins each side.
this was all part of a larger work-a-thon so the car was up, and apart already.
[Modified by NightRyder, 11:15 PM 1/12/2004]