Replacing a Rear Axle U Joint : How to Inspect U Joints

Inspecting a car's U joints for wear and damage. Learn about universal joint replacement on a car's rear axle in this free car repair video.

Expert: Nathan McCullough
Bio: Nathan McCullough graduated from Nashville Auto-Diesel College with a GPA of 3.5 and received their Craftsmanship Award and Honor Seal.
Filmmaker: Robert Rogers

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• maintenance
• replacing
• automotive
• cars
• replace
• repairs
• universal
• joints
• axles

[JEEPIOIIIIIIIIOI]

am I the only one who never learns shit from expert village

[mamba52us]

@adiosk8erxxx it is possible that it is u joints. the vibrations will get worse with time and eventually break. 

[rhblakeman]

One thing you might mention too - when you set up the vehicle park it downhill - ie lift the rear (use stands!!!) so the fluid in the trans runs toward the engine - otherwise you will have red or brown fluid running out when the front slip tube is removed. Also slip a bag over the open trans end and tape to keep dirt out of the trans while the shaft is out of the vehicle. When you reassemble put a light coat of grease inside the seal in the end of the trans.

[rhblakeman]

Inspection is fine but heck if you're dropping the shaft just be safe and replace them both - or all three if it's a carrier bearing split shaft. They aren't that expensive compared to doing labor over again in a year or so, especially if they are still factory joints. Get replacements that have a zerk fitting so you can grease it when the suspension is greased - and be careful of how you assemble them so the fitting is accessible and wont break off. Good videos Nathan.

[adiosk8erxxx]

awesome thx for the advice ill go inspect my u-joints and see if that may be the problem

[dangerdavefreestyle]

yes. it cant flex to the angle it needs to and causes the shaft to rotate at the wrong angle and then you get vibation

[adiosk8erxxx]

would a slight vibration have anything to do with u-joints or driveshaft???

[timothylegg]

Loud banging underneath when shifting between PARK, DRIVE and REVERSE revealed a worn rear universal joint.

Successfully replaced the universal joint on a 1995 E-350 delivery van using the suggestions here. Took just over an hour.

Thanks