I've been quoted a price of $320.00 to replace the U-joints and center support bearings. Does this sound reasonable.

I don't know that I need replacements, but I have 115,000+ miles on these.

Does it sound reasonable that they would need replacing.

 

Do you have vibration while driving? (mostly at high speeds)

Can you see physical damage in these parts?

Can you wiggle the driveshaft(s)?

Can you wiggle the divershaft in the carrier bearing?

If you answer YES to any of these I would have someone inspect the parts. Then replace if nessary...

 

I replaced all three of my rear shafts U-joints at 98k miles -- it had a slight vibration and was leaking from the rear transfer case seal. I had the shop install NAPA U-joints with grease zerks with the hopes of them lasting longer (part number 330 NA). The center support bearing was OK. The cost for replacing the U-joints came to $324 -- not including the cost for replacing the rear seal.

Franklin

 

Guess I'll have them checked tomorrow. I do have a slight vibration around 70 but kept telling my tire shop they didn't do a good balance job.

What got me wondering is, I had to have the differential replaced about 2,000 miles ago. I was in Pa. and the clutches in the LSD went bad. Cost me $2500, and I thought that...... just maybe.... the vibration might have caused this, or at least was a contributing factor.

With new U-joints and center support bearings, the complete drive train (less engine) has been replaced.

Maybe its worth the peace of mind on my next trip.

Thanks for the input.

 

Can you wiggle the divershaft in the carrier bearing?

the carrier bearing is rubber mounted, are you still supposed to be able to movethe driveshaft around because of the rubber giving, Iv'e got a clunk when i let off the pedal and when i get on it. the u-joints look good but i can move the driveshaft around because the rubber is giving.

 

Vibration shouldn't be in the steering wheel it should be in the seat (or feel farther back) if its a driveshaft prob...

My 02 will allow a bit of movement but the shaft will never touch the mount frame. If you can safely jack up the rear axle and jack stand it. Now rotate the shaft and feel for roughness in the bearings.

Ujoints you will feel too... (if really wore out) GRIND GRIND! Or KLUNK KLUNK!

If you want to be sure of it all remove the entire shaft and feel for looseness in the parts. Then there is no chance of being wrong.

 

Had to have the mid ship bearing replaced around 35K, but the dealer for whatever reason said they had to replace the entire drive shaft as an assembly ($1800ish)....it was on their dime so i didn't care. But when it started to go it felt more like a U-Joint failing, but they were in good shape.

Although I replaced the rear U-Joint on my '01 over the past winter, it was really dead. But in all honestly, it took me a couple hours of my time and under $20 for the new joint (with zerk fitting), maybe $10 of propane to keep the grage above 50*. That $300+ mark is 95% labor. Just my nickels worth and something to think about if you don't mind getting your hands dirty.

Dave