How to change Universal Joints the EASY WAY!

Here's how you change a U-Joint the easy way. With just a little patience, penetrating oil, and some simple tools, you can change an old rusty worn out Universal joint with very little effort.

[Dave-tyqp]

Finally a youtuber that knows how to do the job right, and respect the fact that cleaning and prep is the key to all good maintenance actions. Patients during disassembly will save you tons of headaches in the future.

[kevintulak]

When I was a kid I remember my uncle crawling under my dads old truck in the middle of nowhere replacing a u-joint. My dad always carried an extra in his glove compartment. I was amazed at how quickly he was able to do it with hardly any tools. Ingenuity from years of working in the bush. This looks much easier. Thanks for sharing.

[ralphlewis]

One other comment- the caps are actually supposed to be a tight fit. They are designed like that. They should NOT just slide in with a push from your fingers. That indicates worn bores or (less likely) mis sized U-joint caps. If caps slide in by hand, you should think about replacing that driveshaft yoke. You should need to lightly tap them in with a hammer, at least. I've been turning wrenches since the 1980's and I can assure you that Spicer designs their yokes this way.

[leer-winnobbeefarms]

Some absolutely great tips! I'm a farmer and I've grown to HATE universal joints, but even after 30 years of doing them - you've given me some help! Thanks CW, Lee

[davidjones]

"Just keep everything all greased and oiled up" is what my dad taught me from a very young age. Its no big secret in getting these things to last a very long time, its just down to simple lubrication. Our old 1969 Ford D Series truck (the first brand new truck my father ever purchased) is still running on its original UJ's, they get a pump of grease every week. It never ceases to amaze me that most vehicle manufacturers now routinely fit non-greasable UJ's, its like they are just setting you up for an early failure and a reqular and expensive trip to one of their dealerships.
David in the UK.

[MRALBERT]

I have been doing repair work for almost 60 years and this is the best training video I have seen, 😅I was taught long ago the correct way to do it, and like you say clean, patience, and some lube goes a long way way with a cool head!!

[beenbeatenbybishops]

Thanks for the Video. Takes me back. 40 years ago I did a ton of these. I was lucky. I had a vise. Made it even easier. Constant velocity U-joints on full size RWD GM's were a little more challenging though. Makes me feel good to see a young guy willing to work and to do it right. You are a good man Dave.

[johndunbar]

Can't tell ya how many u joints I've changed in my life, but I still wanted to watch the video and leave a thumbs up and a comment, because I believe in what Dave is trying to do here. Thank you Dave. Your effort is noticed.

[aquadan]

Bustin' knuckles since the 70's here. I'll add a handy tip. When you're re-installing the caps, fill them 1/2 way with grease. As you press them back in you are back greasing them. You will see grease come out of the zerk hole, all that's left is install the zerk fitting and viola' all greased.

[fluorescentblack]

The way you give knowledge and advice is really a joy to listen to. Thanks for letting us know about this channel. It really complements your other channel. If you’re gonna live off grid, maintaining your transport yourself, is essential.

Subscribed

[doesnotexist]

Clear voice, right speed and very informative.

[Roybwatchin]

Nice video. I always use a bench vise to press cups out and in. I realize lots of people do not have access to a vise, and so the hammer is only option. But, everything else in your video including the cleaning and polishing up the bores, etc. is spot on. Makes everything go together smoothly. A shame that Ford doesn't have grease zerks from the factory. Otherwise, you likely wouldn't have needed to change them out, lol....

[shanew.williams]

Excellent instruction ! I'm a retired auto technician of 20+ years & this is exactly how you do it & do it right.

[Kevin-vvoe]

As an old mechanic I approve of this video

[patmartel]

As a professional mecanic, I found your technic as good as mine, with less expensive tool 😉.Very well explain!

[freezerburn]

Right off I was like yeah, yeah, yeah done this a hundred times. But after shutting my mouth and listening to your tutorial I learned a ton. I realize my past errors and they will not reoccur. Thanks man!!! AA+++

[hose]

What a class act! (at 67yrs old I picked up some pointers I was never taught thru the years) You presented it very well, I wish you well, my friend!!

[waltercannon]

I have never had any caps slide in that easy in all my 50 years of wrenching.And l did the prep work.I always pressed mine in.

[gosmoothgolight]

Thanks for the "break" from the snow removal job :) This info should come in handy when refurbishing my van before my next trip out to Rapid City. Thanks, Dave! God Bless ... see you down the road

[denniskazich]

Cleaning burrs and nicks on drive shaft where u joint is installed is definitely crucial. Great job covering this important procedure. Makes the difference in a smooth u joint.