xp8103

My 11 has 73k on it of relatively moderate use and virtually no HD off roading. Of late, I've felt a slight "hitch" in the steering wheel while in 2WD in a low speed turn. And watching the wheel return to center I can see the hitch. Yesterday we had a n'or easter and I was in 4 high while driving home and the wheel felt much like running in 4wd while on pavement with the steering wheel really rocking back and forth, even when only turned about 1/4 from center. I'm going to say that my front u-joints need to be replaced.

Other opinions?

tobyw

I don't know if that's your problem or not, but I will say that I recently helped a buddy change the passenger side u-joint on his 2011 with about 60k miles after experiencing similar issues. We pulled it apart and found nothing but dust inside the bearing caps... It looked like it had been out in the desert for 30 years

xp8103

What kind of a job was it to pull and replace?

Busboy

I just wonder if you ever lubed the front drive shaft like it says on the sticker under the hood? I often wonder if it makes a difference.

xp8103

It's been dealer serviced since new. Not that that means anything. But it sounds like 60-80k miles on ujoints today is about the norm. I never changed them out in my 01.5 2500 that I sold in 2011 with 160k on it.

Busboy

I must be getting old or something, After re reading your post I see you are not talking about the front drive shaft ujoints.

tobyw

Pulling the shaft didn't take long at all. Getting that U-joint out of there was an ordeal, though. We ended up having to cut the trunnion and only then were we finally able to get the caps to push through the ears. I took some emery cloth to the inside bore of the ears and the new U-joint went in without issue. Probably a two hour job start to finish with a couple frosty beverage breaks.

xp8103

hahhahahaahahahahahaha

Busboy

Sorry you lost me? I've read the entire thread 3 times now and I'm still unsure which universal joints you are talking about, the hubs or the front drive shaft.
The words "passenger side ujoint" made me think you were talking about the ujoints at the hubs especially after you quoted tobyw.

xp8103

Yes, then I apologize. I am referring to the front axle u-joints.

Busboy

No worries, I think we are all here to help each other and share what knowledge we have about our trucks.