U-Joints good or bad? how to tell

[generalleexj]

ok its pretty simple, how do you tell if a u-joint is good or bad, i just took the ones out of my 2001 and they seem alrite. i mean is there any point in replacing them if their not completely broken? or do they wear out over time, one of my u-joints are broken and i just want to know if i can just replace it with one out of my 89 XJ sitting on blocks in my driveway? would this be ok or should i just get new ones ?

 

[djblade311]

just get new ones because they are cheap enough. I usually determine if they need replacing when the vibes become noticable over time.

 

[katarn444]

Jack up the front two wheels, turn the steering wheel to stop, either left or right. Then try to spin the wheel that youjust turned to lock. If it binds up the u-joint is bad. I know that sounds confusing but I will give you an example.

Jack up the front, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left. Now go grab the tire and try to spin it. It is does not spin freely the u-joint is toast. Try the passenger side now.

I would not just change them for no reason, I would not consider a u-joint preventitive maintenance. When they go bad replace them.

K

 

[themangeraaad]

well, i just typed out a nice reply explaining everythign i have learned about U joints and replacement and everything, but then i had some internet error, and lost it... so this will be an abridged version. Damn school internet

1) U-joints... Get new ones, I always get the brute force joints from autozone, no more htan 30 each and they are the heavy duty non greaeable version... good strong part... definately worth swapping in

2) replace them when they need to be replaces, or you may end up tearing your rear differentail yoke apart, like I did, mind you I was driving hard, but still, wasnt fun. A week with my jeep off the road and twice what I would have paid for just a joint, and I was back on the road, but still... do it when you need to.

3) to check if you need joints.. get under the car and try and turn the driveshafts a bit, not much, just enough to see if there is play in any of the joints. If there is play, then replace them, (if there is just a little play you CAN hold off a little while if you dont plan on wheeling alot/hard or driving hard (aka, beating on the joints alot)

4) when putting them in, allign the caps where you need them, and use sockets and a c-clamp or vise to push them in, hammering them in works, but isnt the best way at all. When taking the old one out... do it however you see fit, but take caution not to bend the metal around the caps on the driveshaft itself. If you do it can make your life hell when trying to get they new caps in. Been there done that... no fun

In all, use common sense, if you check them and they seem real bad, or have alot of play, dont drive much if any and change out hte parts before something else breaks or you snap your current joint and leave your driveshaft in the middle of hte road.