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How do I replace the u joints on my car?
I have an old car that my aunt gave me and it needs a little work. Mechanics charge way too much so I want to repair it on my own. How do I replace the u joints on my car?
Shannon Martin · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The cost of car repair keeps getting more and more expensive! Replacing the U-joints (otherwise known as universal joints) can be done at home if you are mechanically inclined. If this is your first attempt at car repair, please note that this fix requires a lot of tools, space, muscle, time, and can make a lot of noise.
Here is a list of the required tools:
- Ear protection
- Grease cartridge
- Grease gun
- Hammer
- Jack
- New U-joints
- Snap ring pliers
- Socket and ratchet
- Two jack stands
- Wrenches
- 5/8-inch heavy duty metal billet
Once you have the tools assembled, you are ready to get started. For additional help, there are several YouTube videos online that you can follow along:
- Jack up the rear of the car higher than the front to prevent the transmission from leaking
- Using your socket ratchet, remove the differential yoke
- Next, remove the driveshaft by pushing it forward, down, and then back
- Use the hammer and release the tension of the snap ring by hitting the yolk. This is the loud part and be careful of your fingers!
- Using your pliers, remove the snap rings from both sides of the yolk
- Use the hammer to push the bearing cups out of the yolk
- Temporarily attach two opposing cups to the new U-joint with a rubber band before removing the other two cups. Then slide the polished ends of the U-joint into the yoke
- Tap on the yoke to correctly line up in the cup, then hammer it in place and install the snap ring
- Next, insert the transmission end of the driveshaft into the tailshaft until the transmission bottoms out and then raise the driveshaft into position
- Then remove the temporary rubber band and place the U-joints into the pinion yoke. Install the U-joint clamps and tighten the nuts and bolts back in place
- Lastly, install the snap rings to lock in the cups
- Lower the car to the ground, start it, cross your fingers, and listen for any noises from the U- joints
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