How do I remove Universal Joints? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

RyanG · 06-13-2007, 08:54 AM

Just as the title says. I don't know how to remove the universal joint from the drive shaft. I removed the cap that goes on the differential and now I don't know how to remove the joint from the drive shaft side. Can anyone help? Thanks

grayw0lf · 06-13-2007, 09:09 AM

There are some C shaped retaining clips that must be removed.

Then press the caps out. You can get a special oversize C clamp at many of your local parts stores.

What kind of truck? Some later models have nylon injected into the caps that can make removal difficult. In that case, your propane torch si your friend.

bigjimzlll · 06-13-2007, 09:12 AM

If it has retainer clips...remove them. I use a vice and some sockets. Place a socket big enuff that the cup of the U joint will fit in on one side of the U joint. Then use a smaller socket that will fit inside of the loop of the other side. Place in the vice(or C clamp) and squeeze. The smaller socket will slide the whole U joint to one side pushing out the cup.

RyanG · 06-13-2007, 09:20 AM

Cool..Thanks guys...will I need to compress the new one to get it in also? Oh BTW I have a 71 1/2 ton p/u.

jhow66 · 06-13-2007, 10:04 AM

If you have never done this before I would take your shaft to someone that does and watch. Then you will be able to do the rest yourself without screwing them up.

onetonk5 · 06-13-2007, 10:16 AM

I agree with letting someone who knows how to do it....watch and learn. I used to use the vise/socket way but after busting a vise in half I learned ho to do it with a small ball peen hammer. You need to be careful not to damage the ends of the cups while driving them back in. I watched a buddy at a local driveline shop who uses a hammer and learned from him. Its not rocket science but it is important to get it right. I would think you could get it done for less than a secong u-joint would cost if you mess the first one up.

cdowns · 06-13-2007, 10:37 AM

when assembling you have to be extremely carefull that the needle bearings stay in place /grease helps with that// personally i'm old and lazy now and just spend the extra to have a shop do it and have the shaft checked for balance issues

shifty · 06-13-2007, 11:03 AM

I typically use a BFH and a large socket (3/4 or larger usually works). Pull the retaining clip out, lay the square end of the socket up to the U-joint and beat the hell out of it. It'll come out.

Installation is pretty much the reverse of removal: insert one end into the yoke, slide it into place, beat it into place from the first end you inserted. like cdowns said, DO NOT remove the caps and if you do, be sure they all line up and stand up perfectly when the cap is put back on. Remember to grease them up afterwards!!

RyanG · 06-13-2007, 11:17 AM

Thanks for all the wisdom and knowledge guys. It got me worried for a second so I did some researcha and found this, http://dodgeram.org/tech/repair/U_joint/repair.htm

Now I feel much better about doing it.

shifty · 06-13-2007, 03:28 PM

that's a great idea for pressing them in. i always just beat them back in. no harm, no foul.

oteixeira · 06-13-2007, 03:52 PM

I use this, I figure for the cost, If it pays for itself in U-joints I don't beat the life out of before I use them.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38335

Orlando

casterbuster · 06-13-2007, 04:01 PM

One at a time...sorry j/k

eedgell · 06-13-2007, 11:41 PM

heat from a torch is not needed unless it has those damn poured in plastic retainers! Replaced all of mine on the tail gate of my truck with a hammer and large drift puntch. Not hard to do.

IvelDesigns · 06-14-2007, 01:08 AM

i use a BFH and a big bolt held in place by a pair of vise grips.

I suppose a Clamp or a vise might be easier, but this way i get to take my frustrations on the poor little U joint. Just did a set this weekend actually. And i feel calm and relaxed now

IvelDesigns · 06-14-2007, 01:24 AM

this looks pretty cheap and easy to use too:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46694

grayw0lf · 06-14-2007, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oteixeira

I use this, I figure for the cost, If it pays for itself in U-joints I don't beat the life out of before I use them.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38335

Orlando

I Hate HF with a passion. They sell 95% garbage. But these are actually pretty decent & the exact same ones you'll see elsewhere, like at CarQuest for well over $100.

oteixeira · 06-14-2007, 09:58 AM

grayw0lf,

I hate HF too, but with this, the price difference was huge, and I took into account the number of moving parts. I will not buy anything from HF that has a motor, or even anything that needs a bearing (because they will use cheap bushings). When I looked at this though I thought to myself "how can they f* up a C clamp with a special hole in it??" and I was right, they can't, at least, not yet. I have had it for over a year and it still works fine.

Orlando

**truckdude239** · 06-14-2007, 10:30 AM

i got one of there floor jacks had 2 years now no problems

msgross · 06-16-2007, 08:54 PM

remove the clips, place in vise with one small socket on one end and a larger than cap socket on the other..... now turn the big handle and you're set....

If that fails then the BFH method works with sockets as well...

06-13-2007, 08:54 AM	#1
RyanG Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Gilbert, Az Posts: 180	How do I remove Universal Joints? Just as the title says. I don't know how to remove the universal joint from the drive shaft. I removed the cap that goes on the differential and now I don't know how to remove the joint from the drive shaft side. Can anyone help? Thanks

06-13-2007, 09:09 AM	#2
grayw0lf Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Clanton, AL Posts: 1,253	Re: How do I remove Universal Joints? There are some C shaped retaining clips that must be removed. Then press the caps out. You can get a special oversize C clamp at many of your local parts stores. What kind of truck? Some later models have nylon injected into the caps that can make removal difficult. In that case, your propane torch si your friend. __________________ 85' CUCV M1009!!! The newest addition! 6.2diesel, Th400, NP208, & only 36k miles! 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside - Looking good these days! 05' Dodge Neon 88' Winner Escape Sport 1750 - 4.3v6 94' Seadoo SP 84' Honda TRX200, bare nekkid. Just a frame & tires. Always looking for another project or any good deal!

06-13-2007, 09:12 AM	#3
bigjimzlll Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Redding,CA...USA Posts: 4,736	Re: How do I remove Universal Joints? If it has retainer clips...remove them. I use a vice and some sockets. Place a socket big enuff that the cup of the U joint will fit in on one side of the U joint. Then use a smaller socket that will fit inside of the loop of the other side. Place in the vice(or C clamp) and squeeze. The smaller socket will slide the whole U joint to one side pushing out the cup. __________________ It's called "drag racing" if they called it "tic..tic..WHAM!..BANG! F*&K!!!", they'd have to keep the magazines under the counter with the other men's publications click the clicky to join the site.... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php 67 lwb..first hotrod in 25 years..540 best ET is 9.45 @ 141.44 Anderson,CA

06-13-2007, 09:20 AM	#4
RyanG Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Gilbert, Az Posts: 180	Re: How do I remove Universal Joints? Cool..Thanks guys...will I need to compress the new one to get it in also? Oh BTW I have a 71 1/2 ton p/u.

06-13-2007, 10:04 AM	#5
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	Re: How do I remove Universal Joints? If you have never done this before I would take your shaft to someone that does and watch. Then you will be able to do the rest yourself without screwing them up. __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer

06-13-2007, 10:16 AM	#6
onetonk5 Cereal Killer Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Montgomery, Alabama Posts: 639	Re: How do I remove Universal Joints? I agree with letting someone who knows how to do it....watch and learn. I used to use the vise/socket way but after busting a vise in half I learned ho to do it with a small ball peen hammer. You need to be careful not to damage the ends of the cups while driving them back in. I watched a buddy at a local driveline shop who uses a hammer and learned from him. Its not rocket science but it is important to get it right. I would think you could get it done for less than a secong u-joint would cost if you mess the first one up. __________________ If I dont do it....somebody else will.

06-13-2007, 10:37 AM	#7
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: How do I remove Universal Joints? when assembling you have to be extremely carefull that the needle bearings stay in place /grease helps with that// personally i'm old and lazy now and just spend the extra to have a shop do it and have the shaft checked for balance issues __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

06-13-2007, 11:03 AM	#8
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: How do I remove Universal Joints? I typically use a BFH and a large socket (3/4 or larger usually works). Pull the retaining clip out, lay the square end of the socket up to the U-joint and beat the hell out of it. It'll come out. Installation is pretty much the reverse of removal: insert one end into the yoke, slide it into place, beat it into place from the first end you inserted. like cdowns said, DO NOT remove the caps and if you do, be sure they all line up and stand up perfectly when the cap is put back on. Remember to grease them up afterwards!! __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

06-13-2007, 11:17 AM	#9
RyanG Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Gilbert, Az Posts: 180	Re: How do I remove Universal Joints? Thanks for all the wisdom and knowledge guys. It got me worried for a second so I did some researcha and found this, http://dodgeram.org/tech/repair/U_joint/repair.htm Now I feel much better about doing it.

06-13-2007, 03:28 PM	#10
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: How do I remove Universal Joints? that's a great idea for pressing them in. i always just beat them back in. no harm, no foul. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

06-13-2007, 03:52 PM	#11
oteixeira Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Middlesex, NC Posts: 231	Re: How do I remove Universal Joints? I use this, I figure for the cost, If it pays for itself in U-joints I don't beat the life out of before I use them. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38335 Orlando __________________ 70 C-20 Custom Camper Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=300251

06-13-2007, 04:01 PM	#12
casterbuster Mejor Que Nada Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: texas Posts: 232	Re: How do I remove Universal Joints? One at a time...sorry j/k __________________ The only thing that separates "Dreams" from "Reality" is TIME and MONEY!!!

06-13-2007, 11:41 PM	#13
eedgell It's the air up here Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 710	Re: How do I remove Universal Joints? heat from a torch is not needed unless it has those damn poured in plastic retainers! Replaced all of mine on the tail gate of my truck with a hammer and large drift puntch. Not hard to do. __________________ 1971 cheyenne k10 4 speed np 205 454 BB factory a/c Never drink down stream of the herd! Eric

06-14-2007, 01:08 AM	#14
IvelDesigns Commander Taco Bello Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 2,232	Re: How do I remove Universal Joints? i use a BFH and a big bolt held in place by a pair of vise grips. I suppose a Clamp or a vise might be easier, but this way i get to take my frustrations on the poor little U joint. Just did a set this weekend actually. And i feel calm and relaxed now __________________ Bagged '50 3600 - Bumper punchin' road kill since 2009... Bagged '69 C10 Longbed - Bumper punchin' road kill since 2007...

06-14-2007, 01:24 AM	#15
IvelDesigns Commander Taco Bello Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 2,232	Re: How do I remove Universal Joints? this looks pretty cheap and easy to use too: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46694 __________________ Bagged '50 3600 - Bumper punchin' road kill since 2009... Bagged '69 C10 Longbed - Bumper punchin' road kill since 2007...



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

06-14-2007, 09:58 AM	#17
oteixeira Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Middlesex, NC Posts: 231	Re: How do I remove Universal Joints? grayw0lf, I hate HF too, but with this, the price difference was huge, and I took into account the number of moving parts. I will not buy anything from HF that has a motor, or even anything that needs a bearing (because they will use cheap bushings). When I looked at this though I thought to myself "how can they f* up a C clamp with a special hole in it??" and I was right, they can't, at least, not yet. I have had it for over a year and it still works fine. Orlando __________________ 70 C-20 Custom Camper Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=300251

06-14-2007, 10:30 AM	#18
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,238	Re: How do I remove Universal Joints? i got one of there floor jacks had 2 years now no problems __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

06-16-2007, 08:54 PM	#19
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: How do I remove Universal Joints? remove the clips, place in vise with one small socket on one end and a larger than cap socket on the other..... now turn the big handle and you're set.... If that fails then the BFH method works with sockets as well... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.