U joint = bad day.

[HTX86chevy]

I finally got around to pulling the drive shaft so that i could replace the worn u joint closest to the tranny.
This was my first time ever attempting to replace a u joint but figured it couldnt be too hard.... I spent 3 hours and finally thought i had everything squared away. she ran fine till i got to the end of my block then I heard a loud clank and saw the bearing caps fly from under the truck!!!! what a day.
I'm thinking about letting the mechanic deal with it tomorrow. any one have any good tips that might have helped me complete this task alot smoother???

sorry guys, i had to rant.

[joe1982]

Did you put the clips in the caps? ?

[HTX86chevy]

well see thats the thing. I could get one clip in but not the other. in order for me to get the clips on, i had to set them on top of the groove and not necessarily have them sit inside the groove. i spent over an hour just trying to get the clips to go on correctly, and i guess i didnt do it as correct as i thought.

[palposity]

Agreed. Those clips are a pain. And if you have to push to hard to get the clips seated properly then the bearings have too much pressure on them to spin properly and it will lead to premature failure or you could have a shimmy problem. It can definitely be a more challenging job than some would think.

[HTX86chevy]

ok, i took the whole drive shaft and a new u joint to my local mechanic.
he said he'll get it done in an hour and he charged me almost nothing.

[GRX]

Originally Posted by HTX86chevy

well see thats the thing. I could get one clip in but not the other. in order for me to get the clips on, i had to set them on top of the groove and not necessarily have them sit inside the groove. i spent over an hour just trying to get the clips to go on correctly, and i guess i didnt do it as correct as i thought.

Hi. I have replaced 100's u-joint over the years - both a home & professionally. Did you damage the grooves perhaps? More likely the drive shaft end has collapsed somewhat, which makes it to narrow for the u-joint. Possibly from pounding the old joint out. Unless I'm mistaken, these were held in from the factory by a plastic injection process. That is why the original had no clip. Some heat from a torch makes quick work of this. Little pounding nedded.

[Buick455]

U-joints can be a PITA. I just did 3 of them. I had to put them in the press and apply some force on the caps and then heat the yoke and then comes the fun part when they let go. I did have a difficult time getting the clips in but they have to be in the grooves. If the yoke is deformed the clips will not go in.

[nikwho]

There are a few jobs that I always leave to professionals, which I am not. U joints being one of them along with axle work(ring & pinions, lockers, setting back lash etc.) and work on transmissions. I have certainly messed with them but it is so much easier to just drop it off at a shop sometimes.

i just yanked my front driveshaft so the driveline shop can rebuild the slip yoke. I just bought it and too many years with a five inch lift and stock length wore it out. im having the shop replace the u joints and i'm going to replace the front transfer case output shaft seal while its at the shop.

[HTX86chevy]

well all of you guys pretty much hit the nail on the head. turns out that the yoke was warped so i had to pick one up at the bone yard. got everything in place but havent driven the truck yet. i'll take her for a spin tomorrow. thanks guys

[willett]

get a bigger hammer