Passenger axle shaft u-joint

[phydeaux33]

1988 XJ 4.0, did CAD delete when I pulled my axles they were rough so I upgraded to 4340 axle shafts (USA Standard Gear). After install using Spicer 760 u-joints (not sure how many miles) I started to get a tick speed related, sounded like from the rear after lots of playing around looking for it I put the stethoscope to the front u joints boom, tick was the universal FIXED. 1100 miles later it came back, well I proceeded to try to track it down (was no way it could be the u-joint again it was a little different sound...LOL) after more needless looking it was the u-joint. Replaced again, 1300 miles and its back. I get no feel in the wheel from the tick and both universal's looked fine when I replaced them, all needles were great and no wear signs. Looking for a reason before I change u-joint again.

 

[Unclewolverine]

The ears on those axle shafts get bent easily, could have too much or too little tension on the u joint, they are pretty sensitive to that.

 

[phydeaux33]

The ears on those axle shafts get bent easily, could have too much or too little tension on the u joint, they are pretty sensitive to that.

That's what I'm leaning too, I believe that 2.188 is the distance between ears that I'm looking for? Any verification would be appreciated.

 

[Unclewolverine]

That's what I'm leaning too, I believe that 2.188 is the distance between ears that I'm looking for? Any verification would be appreciated.

All I know is i used a press when I did mine and they were so bound they wouldn't move at all. Beat on them with a hammer until they were free with no play and they have been fine for many thousands of miles.

 

[lawsoncl]

The ears get bend due to poor technique. When I use a press, I support the sides of the u-joint cross and put a large socket on top. That way I'm pushing the cross and upper cap upwards. There is no force trying to bend the ears that way.

 

[phydeaux33]

The ears get bend due to poor technique. When I use a press, I support the sides of the u-joint cross and put a large socket on top. That way I'm pushing the cross and upper cap upwards. There is no force trying to bend the ears that way.

I already believe that I may have malformed the ears, using a press. The measurement between yoke ears is 2.188, now to figure which ear is bent and straighten.

 

[lawsoncl]

This is a long video, but he shows some of the tools and methods that avoid bending the ears. Start at 14 minutes to see the specialty tools. 23:40 shows why you shouldn't use the "common" method. Fast forward to 46:00 to see the tool in action.

I just use a chunk of u-channel that is the right width and depth.