Ford F250: Front Axle U-Joints Replacement - Part I

In this video I bring you along as I work on a customers F-250 that had a customer complaint of, "hard to steer and it makes a lot of noise." Didn't take long to see the front axle joints are locked up solid! It trashed one of the lock out hubs too. Oh and it needs some brakes. Come along as we make the rust fly.
-Enjoy!

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Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[Hey_Its_That_Guy]

Eric O., part mechanic, part archaeologist. Well done!

[robiecarmichael]

Started working on cars in the 70s. This is the first time I heard the chant!! Must have been living a sheltered life. Love the videos.

[jimrigdon]

I can tell you’re a good dude by the way your voice goes up 3 octaves when talking to your shop kitty. My shop kittys disappear when the air compressor and power tools are in use but as soon as I sit down for a beer they’re right there in my lap wanting lovin’s.

[petermoto]

Having had a 150, then a 250, and now a 20 year old F350 (which I still love), I can SO relate to this video.

[johndeluca]

Eric I am very jealous right now, I just spent the past two days putting wheel bearings on an f350. Torch and air hammer was no use. Beating each side for 45 minutes with a 10lb sledge finally did the trick. Watching you tap those out was perfect 🤣

[leeross]

Had the Choice between all the news channels, 200 cable channels, netflix, amazon prime or HBO Max.. what am I watching??? The Great Eric O!!!!

[pieteroosthuizen]

Just as I took the dogs for a walk this morning at daybreak, we had a sudden out of Autumn season rain storm, Eric it was all your fault, you did the rain chant and not the loosen u-joint chant the second time😁

[charlesgast]

Thanks for the tip, albeit 20 years late. First time I ever used a ball joint press, snapped ear off the driveshaft of my old bronco 2. She was fwd for a while.

[ChiefRRoss]

Much appreciate your making this video. I tackle many things I have no idea what I'm doing. Though I've replaced on my 6.0 an Oil Cooler, removed the turbo, replaced pipes, and other head banging things that makes me nuts, I've just been fearful of doing this. But my trucks sat for to long, and I need to get her on the road. I bought the new UJoints months ago, now your video has given me more
A Symptom I have driving, the steering will jerk left and/or right just randomly going down the highway. So I have to keep a tight grip on the steering wheel. I quit driving it unless going a block to get gas cans filled for my lawn mowers. I also had purchased a new steering box before I determined(guessed) it's the Ujoints, not the steering box. But hey, with 240k miles, just replace it all right?

[falcordamascus]

PSA , if you appreciate your local mechanic, try to wash your vehicle off prior to service ( and clean garbage out from cab for that matter) . Might not get all the dirt and grime off but at least an attempt was made. Eric O, what a wealth of knowledge, a true legend of his trade.

[MrJet]

Coffee came out my nose when you started chanting, what a good laugh, Thanks Eric

[jerrys]

Therapy from my office job. The laughs are always the best part.

[arthurgay]

It was Archemetes who said he could move the earth if he had a big enough bar... You can put a socket against the outside joint cap and turn the steering wheel and use the power steering to push the axle out as well. On the newer trucks, the axle seals tend to stick in there a lot harder for some reason and the prybar trick won't work. I'm talking 2019 and newer...

[andrianmonk]

Looks like the crude build up turned out to be a poor man's Fluid Film. It "protected" the bolts so they could be removed a lot of effort.

Another great video.

[samlawson]

Great video i always put u joints or ball joints in freezer for a little while . helps on pressing installation. Gets them nice and cold next to the frozen veggies

[briansmith]

Amen on being careful with those cutoff wheels. Know a body guy that had one come apart embedding in his chest and nearly hit his heart. Very scary.

[Kuntryboy]

Great videos buddy thank you. My ford f250 is doing something weird, darts, from left to right out of the blue can't get back to center like something is bad loose but everything is tight. Everything in front end is new . But when all fours are off the ground in 4 wheel drive in gear the left front tire binds when turning to the left or right and shakes the steering like crazy. Got it apart now

[markr]

I torch out the cross of the u-joint-- saves a lot of pounding 💪

[timwintersoncntr]

Archimedes. I actually knew that one, but I double checked with Brave search.

[--_DJ_--]

The seal installer tool makes a great paperweight when mother nature eventually takes your SuperDuty back.