How to Change the U-joints on a Car

Over time the U-joints on a vehicle become worn and need replacement. Signs of this may appear as noise, vibrations, or rumblings as the car is moving and the driveshaft is turning. Caution should be used when replacing U-joints as it requires placing oneself under the vehicle. Most vehicles will have their U-joints replaced in the same manner, consult an automotive repair guide for any specific vehicle needs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Place blocks against one of the rear wheels and put the transmission in neutral. By placing the transmission in neutral it will be easier to remove the driveshaft and then replace the U-joints because there will be no tension on the driveshaft.

2. Use a hydraulic jack to raise the opposite side of the car that has the blocked wheel. Get under the raised side of the car and loosen all of the nuts that hold the U-shaped bolts tight against the ends of the U-joints at the other end of the driveshaft away from the transmission. Gently tap the U-shaped bolts with a rubber mallet to loosen and enable removal. Using too much force may result in damage to other parts of the car.

3. Remove the U-shaped bolts and then take the driveshaft and move it slightly toward the front of the car to pull it free from the yoke. Pull the driveshaft back toward the rear of the car after freeing it from the yoke until the front yoke comes off of the output shaft in the transmission. Place a clean rag in the hole of the output shaft to ensure that no transmission fluid leaks out.

4. Take the driveshaft over to a bench and place in a vise to hold securely. Make a visible mark on the end of the driveshaft and the yoke so that it can be reassembled in the same place to preserve the balance of the driveshaft.

5. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers or retaining clip tool to remove the retaining clips on all four of the caps. Place the U-joint tool on one side of the yoke, and push one cap out of the yoke until it is loose enough to be removed. Repeat for the other side. Then, move the tool around on the yokes until all caps have been removed and it is possible to remove the cross part of the old U-joint.

6. Reverse the steps to install the new U-joints on the driveshaft and replace the driveshaft on the car.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure all needle bearings are lined up and don't move while you are pushing the U-joint caps onto the cross-member. Also, make sure you grease the caps to ensure this.

Resources

• View images of U-joint replacement.