u-joint removal? it will not come out?

[Diskord]

I've searched, I really have

This is my first cruiser, and I've only dealt with drivelines in the past that have bolt on caps. I'm going through the cruiser and un-doing all the FUBAR crap from the PO's. (did I mention the oil filter mount (SBC) that was put in with extra thick lock washers, which prevented the oil filter from sealing properly)

I am attempting to remove the u-joint from the slip yolk end on the rear driveline to flip it around the correct orientation so I can put the zerk fitting in that should be there. The joints feel fine and I am hoping to save it, but if I need new ones so be it. I can press the saddle down one direction or the other but I cannot get the u-joint cups out, its binding and preventing the cups from being removed.

I was waiting for an epiphany, but it seems they all steered well clear. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[pb4ugo]

This maybe a stupid question, but here it goes, did you remove the clips?

 

[Tigerstripe40]

I've never been able to get the u-joints out myself.
I've always just taken the driveshaft to a driveshaft shop and had the old joints pressed out and new joints pressed in. Best $20 you can spend...

 

[bobs74fj40]

i recently used a hammer for about two hours to remove a already blown u joint, they are very difficult to remove without a press, well worth the money to get them changed

 

[Splangy]

Make sure you pull the clips out. (sounds obvious but could be overlooked)

Find a socket a tiny bit smaller than the outer diameter of the u joint cup. Find another socket that's larger than the cup. Place the small socket on one end of the u joint and the large socket on the other end. Place the assembly in a vice and squeeze. The small socket will press the u joint in on one side and the other cup will pop out into the large socket.

Hope that made sense.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Not to bad with a large vise and using sockets like Splangy said. MIke

 

[Diskord]

Yes, I removed the clips

Nice splangy, excellent idea. I will give that a shot.

Thanks

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

I was in the same boat a few months back. Get a bigger hammer, do mad push ups for a week, and open a can o man.

 

[cruiserjunkie]

Ball joint remover you could probably borrow or rent one at parts store

 

[savvas]

stupid question
cant see any c clips on my u joints
do they exist on bj 40's?

 

[cruiserjunkie]

Did you look at inside part of the bearing cap?

 

[Fast Eddy]

Did you look at inside part of the bearing cap?

...that could be all filled with old mud.

 

[DougAustinTx]

I always enjoy watching the guys who remve and install the U joints using just a hammer and whacking the outside of the joint. Kind of amazing.

 

[Rockets2000]

What's amazing about it?

 

[DougAustinTx]

What's amazing about it?

Ask the guys who can't get theirs apart using a press.......

 

[exomoons]

Remove the clips, secure the shaft side on a bench and tap the yoke/flange side with a rubber hammer, it will come off. Then use a small socket to drive the other u joint out. 5 mins job.

 

[teleskier]

I am having the same issues with mine. I pulled the clips. I got a special OTC u-joint press that you put in a vise and turn with a 1/2" socket. It was easy to get one sleeve off, and another one 90 degrees the other way. With 2 sleeves removed, I then have a loose U-joint, but the physical dimensions do not allow it to tilt out like other vehicles I've worked on. I cant press the other way either because it tilts and will wreck the shaft. It tilts because the shaft itself is not perfectly flat next to the joint - same reason I cant put a larger socket on one side and simply use a vise - it slips off. I just decided to use the angle grinder to cut the u joint, which works. It seems that it should be easier and safer, however. What am I doing wrong?

 

[CarDude]

I am having the same issues with mine. I pulled the clips. I got a special OTC u-joint press that you put in a vise and turn with a 1/2" socket. It was easy to get one sleeve off, and another one 90 degrees the other way. With 2 sleeves removed, I then have a loose U-joint, but the physical dimensions do not allow it to tilt out like other vehicles I've worked on. I cant press the other way either because it tilts and will wreck the shaft. It tilts because the shaft itself is not perfectly flat next to the joint - same reason I cant put a larger socket on one side and simply use a vise - it slips off. I just decided to use the angle grinder to cut the u joint, which works. It seems that it should be easier and safer, however. What am I doing wrong?

I did the same thing. I have a brass drift that used to punch the caps down .after a hour Of trying I gave in to my frustration and broke out the dremel.

 

[tornadoalleycruiser]

Messy smelly easy way is cutting disk on a grinder, cut the center x shaft and tap the remainder cap out thru the center. Don't even remove the clips this way. Doesn't deflect the shaft ends either.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Same as @rtornadoalleycruiser, I helped a friend change his U-joints where the lower portion of the caps were so beat up I had to cut the cross out with a torch and drive the caps out though the center.