The rear u-joint on my driveshaft has gone bad. I brought it to my friend's house, since he has a table mounted vise. We can't figure out how exactly to press the u-joint out. I had heard something about using a big socket and a small socket, but can't remember the details. The Chilton's was next to useless, as usual.. talking about tool 'J-9533-3' or some vague nonsense like that. Also, how do you install the new u-joint..? thanx a lot

 

 

thank you.. that is IMMENSELY useful. I did a little more research, it seems there is a plastic retainer that has to be melted with a torch before the u joint can be pressed out.. I don't have a torch, any ideas on way around this?

 

the only retainer is a little metal snap ring just pull it out with pliers


ive heard of people using torches to, but i didnt need one after i took the snap ring off the joint just pushed right out. Use some grease when reinstalling.

 

that looks like an aluminum driveshaft. I'm almost positive that the regular ones have some kind of plastic retainer (not a ring though) running through the end caps on the closed yokes. Damn I'm confusing myself... I'll take a look at it again tomorrow. Thanx again

 

could be..thats a vette half shaft in the pictures..i've never done it on a camaro

 

The factory uses a fiberglass resin to hold in the u-joints. The axle shaft is assembled, and then the resin is injected into the hubs. This fills a groove that is in both the joint and hub. You have to melt this stuff out, and then press out the joints. Just be prepared to cuss some GM engineers.


Forgot to mention that the replacement u-joints will come with new retainer rings(C-clips).

 

You can use a small portable propane torch. Be careful you can over heat the grease inside the cap & have it blow off, spraying hot grease.