Drive Shafts: Removal and Installation of U-Joints

Now that was an odd sound. I was parking my truck and had just put the shifter into reverse and begun to back up when I heard a peculiar clanking sound. This couldn't be good. A quick slide under the truck and I had the drive shaft gripped in my hand. I gave it a push and a pull..and there it was...movement. There should not be any movement in my drive shaft ! This movement could only be the result of worn out universal joints.

This was a serious problem. I have seen drive shafts come completely out of a vehicle due to a universal joint separating...thus stranding them. I had actually had this happen to me. It is no fun to hear a loud clang..and see your drive shaft skidding along behind you in your rear view mirror. Having done this repair before I began collecting everything I knew I was going to need to make this repair.

A visit to the parts store and about 35 dollars later I had the new universal joints in my hands. Universal joints are the movable mechanical connection that allows your drive shaft to flex when the vehicle is negotiating bumps in the road. And it is always best to replace the joints as a pair..one for the front and the rear.

Underneath the truck I remove the four bolts holding the clamps that attach the drive shaft tight to the yoke of the differential which frees that end of the shaft and I lower the drive shaft to the ground. A steady pull on the shaft causes it to slide out of the transmission and now I can move the shaft out and from under the truck.