wheel u-joint

[litebulblsc]

My front axle(d44) had its u joints lock up on it. Now I need to rplace them. So should I go with duralast gold for $16 ea or is their something better for about the same price?

[turp mcspray]

I had this happen on my first 4wd. Makes it fun to turn!LOL! I usually run the best one the part store has.

[litebulblsc]

I tried to turn the wheel and it wouldn't. Thats how I traced it to the u-joints. Probably just going to grab the duralast gold ones. I got the both sides torn down and the passenger axle out, but the driver side is being a bit of a pain. Any one got any tips on how to get the part off that holds the axle shaft in?

[packers05]

Air hammer, dura-crap buy american made u joints yes they still make them, try napa for there best ones

[litebulblsc]

Alright, I will check with napa to see what they got. And if I can't get the axle out the old way I might have to try the air hammer on it. Thanks.

[BLUE THUNDER]

This might sound kinda strange, but what are the symptoms of a bad u-joint? I have started to notice that when i turn left it is hard as hell. like the power steering isn't working. When I turn right, it's fine. Does that sound like a bad u-joint?

[turp mcspray]

Yes, it could be it. Jack up the front and try turning the wheel and tire by hand. Then turn the axle joint 90 degrees and try it again. My axle joint had seized up in one set of caps on the u joint, so it would only turn on one axis of the joint. Does that make sense?