3SmokinC's

Has anybody done their own axle u joints and have any pointers or know of a how to link with pics?What kind of time does this take per side?

3SmokinC's

found a good how to for gen 1's are they the same?

deaner98

i did my own .but to be honest i was so ticked that i cant remember exactly how i did it but i do remember using a sledge hammer getting the knew one in. i think i used a cutting torch and cut the u joint apart then nocked each cap out individualy hope this helps.and you have better luck than me

Ocmechanx

The hardest part I think is getting the sealed bearing unit out of the spindle the first time or if it hasn't been done for a while, make sure you clean that lip and center hole in the spindle up and antisieze the crap outta it so if ya gotta get back in there later it won't be as bad (ball joint relacement ect)

As far as the joint goes its the same as any other

smokeyram

once you have it apart its a breeze. just dont drop the needle bearings. getting all the compnents apart is the tough part. a press is a good way to unseat the retainers.

3SmokinC's

Done,what an ugly job.Thanks for the tips.hope I never have to do it again

3SmokinC's

While removing the unit bearing I pulled it right apart(not knowing that was the wrong way at the time I packed it with bearing grease and reassembled it)now that I realize that it shouldn't have come apart how long do you think I have until it's finished,and does anyone know the best place to buy replacment unit bearings from?

NMCTD

I did that on mine the first time I replaced rotors, that was almost 90,000 miles ago and its still on there, just make sure the axle nut is tight (245 ft lbs)and you should be ok.

Oh and the cheepest place to get the hub is from www.rockauto.com timkin #HA590018, $135 last time I checked. Going to be replacing mine this spring.

...Josh

smokeyram

i didnt seperate mine, but when i took it in to have it aligned about a week after doing all the front end work, there is some play in it. that was at least 5k miles ago. It is such a hassle taking that all apart im not touching it until the wheel flies off, or the weather warms up, whichever comes first.

ScottN

The easiest way to remove the unit bearing is with the socket extension trick... back out the retaining bolts, stick the appropriate chunks of extension hardware behind there to use the axle to press out the hub... turn the engine on and crank the wheel, the power steering does the work and the bearing is not damaged.

3SmokinC's

Thanks Guys thats good news and a good price when it does need doing,hopefully in a 100k or so miles.Good trick Scott but where were you 2 weeks ago lol,anyways it's too late for that now but I'll keep it in the old brain vault for next time.Thanks again