changing u-joint

[beaker]

Okay guys, maybe one of you can help me.  I am trying to change one of my front u-joints (at the wheel).  I tried using two sockets (one big / one small) in my vice to push the u-joint out after removing the c-clips.


I broke my vice


It doesn't want to come out.


Help!!

 

[beaker]

if it's good for removing a very stuck u-joint, then yes I'm up for a ride.

 

[wayneo99]

Does it have the clips on the inside? like a C near the rubber seal?  did you remove them..?

 

[beaker]

c-clips were already out.  There was a lot of rust lock on it.

With an impact gun on a u-joint / ball joint press it still took a lot to break that damn thing free.

But it came out finally.

By the way if anyone needs to remove a unit hub.  Get a spare set of bolts and a big hammer.  It was the only way I got that one out.  I even tried an air chisel.

By the way, does anyone know of a sale on vices?  I need a new one.  Mine broke

 

[jon]

for the unit hub I highly reccomend investing in a slide hammer with a axle puller attachemnt.

or do what I am and just put in a dana 44. :mrgreen:

 

[tjcoastie20]

for the vise...    http://www.harborfreight.com/    you can buy some real chithouse tools here but if you pick through there are some really good deals too. 

 

[CJKarl]

for the vise...    http://www.harborfreight.com/    you can buy some real chithouse tools here but if you pick through there are some really good deals too. 

WOW! did you see that 10 K winch...cheap. Too bad it's spooled with rice noodles.

 

[JeepinMaxx]

Good cheap on-line source - http://www.harborfreight.com/ .  For cheap  local on a vice - Ocean Job lot 

 

[beaker]

How do you use a slide hammer on a wheel bearing?  the only place to grab I saw would load the bearing.  Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[DonnyG]

Couple of things, 


1)  Good "cheap" vise----Ocean State Job Lot, like Frank said.  I got mine about 4 years ago.  6" about $40.  The screw broke for opening it up.  Still clamps great.  to open it, I just need to spin the front bar once and then hit it with a hammer.  Works great otherwise.

2)  It is called a "BALL JOINT PRESS for a reason.  It is for pressing ball joints. Always use the correct tool.  Personally I prefer the big hammer/small hammer method.  Heavy smacks to get it out and little taps to install.  Never had a problem.





(well there was this aluminum driveshaft that didn't make it through surgery, but that's a tale for another thread.)


:2cents:

 

[JeepinMaxx]

Donny - is that what you were removing yesterday evening in the parking lot? :idea:

 

[DonnyG]

Nope.  That was my front shaft.  gave it a good bend a few weeks ago.  Think I may have damaged a ujoint in it this time.  I will check it out tonight at work.  The aluminum shaft I damaged was at work.

 

[DonnyG]

i have a snap on one that you use in a vise i will sell 20.00. never used

part number or pic?

 

[kakirubi]

Been using my BALL JOINT  press successfully for years to change u-joints. Works great! I find it a more precise way of installing a u-joint. I'll use my tools however I want! :mad02:

I love it when my BALL JOINT press works! :rotflmao: