Need to Replace U-joints - Questions!
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From: VA
Need to Replace U-joints - Questions!
I think I need to replace my driveshaft u-joints & have a couple of questions:
By the way, here are my symptoms - does it sound like a u-joint problem?
- Can I do it without special tools (plan to use sockets, hammer & vise)
- Should I use regreasable or permanently sealed u-joints
- What are the part numbers for the front & back driveshaft? I want to get them from Napa, Autozone, or some place that will have a lifetime guarentee on them
- Will the noise/vibration get louder before it fails or will it just one day grenade on me. I make a 200 mile trip once a week & don't want to get stranded
By the way, here are my symptoms - does it sound like a u-joint problem?
Recently, noticed a slight vibration in my truck. It's really more of a low frequency noise/rumble, but I can feel a vibration with it as well. I've been feeling it when driving on the highway, about 65 mph / 1700 rpm. It is not consistent, but I seem to hear/feel it more when going downhill (i.e. slightly coasting). It tends to get better going uphill. Again, it's not consistent, and I have not noticed any surface/condition that can bring this condition on. Even, when it does rumble/vibrate, it is so slight that I wonder if I am trying to hard to hear something when nothing is wrong. The tires look OK (not cupped too bad) and they are 315/70 All-Terrains on H2 rims & about 35,000 miles on them. BTW, my truck is a 6 spd, SWD, 4X4 quad cab.
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: kingston,wa
try moving the tires around first. check the carrier bearing. use chocks to block the wheels, leave it in neutral, no parking brake, and try to wiggle ujoints. have to have the drivetrain unloaded to do this right. look for movement, clunking, etc. was the driveshaft recently unbolted and not indexed where it was? and a vice, arbor press, socket and hammer will work
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 785
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From: VA
try moving the tires around first. check the carrier bearing. use chocks to block the wheels, leave it in neutral, no parking brake, and try to wiggle ujoints. have to have the drivetrain unloaded to do this right. look for movement, clunking, etc. was the driveshaft recently unbolted and not indexed where it was? and a vice, arbor press, socket and hammer will work
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From: Rhome, Tx
To trouble shoot a front drive shaft you should be able to just remove it and see if that stops the noise. Autozone has the part numbers for the front propeller shaft. The rear joints are a little more trouble. I had to take the NAPA guy outside under my truck to get a match. If you get the truck submersed a lot it is better to get the greasable joints and grease them after some heavy playing or anytime you get near water. If you get the sealed u-joints wet it is only a matter of time before the fail. Hope this helps.
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From: kingston,wa
i've found that when parking the truck and setting the brake, my driveshaft is still under tension from the inertia of the truck(my driveway isnt completely level, rolls out to street). so I cannot check for slop. you can use the brake, I just do it with chocks. no difference.
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