Tightening jeep u-joints ('94 wrangler) - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

urbandev · 11-18-2003, 08:01 PM

anything special need to be done or do i just get a wrench and go for it?

slacker00 · 11-18-2003, 10:11 PM

What part of your U-joint is loose? Is it an axle U-joint or a drive shaft U-joint? I have a 03 TF manual also, on my jeep there are at least 2 different types of U-joints. I would suggest to get an answer from a jeep crowd you go post this over at JU under the TF forum.

... I am waiting for my Rubicon to come back to me after my lift. I will have it back this Thursday morning WOOO! ...

Slacker00

Peryn · 11-19-2003, 10:17 AM

What kind of u-joint is it? And how is it loose? You might be able to tighten it down, or you might need to replace it depending on where it is, what kind it is, and how loose it is.

urbandev · 11-19-2003, 09:07 PM

both tranny to driveshaft and driveshaft to differential are loose and kinda knock tight when i accelerate too quickly

DEI37 · 11-20-2003, 05:01 AM

I didn't think you COULD tighten U-Joints. Personally, for the work involved, I'd just replace them. IIRC, they don't cost much.

Peryn · 11-20-2003, 09:13 AM

I dont know on the wrangler how they connect to the driveshaft and/or tranny. But on my Cherokee (from what i have seen of my freinds wrangler, they look to connect basically the same) there is no tightening a U-Joint. On almost all u-joint, they dont just "tighten". The only way that could happen is if u-bolts are used to connect it to the differential. The u-joints are a wearing item on cars, and will eventually go bad. You will probably have to actually replace them. With a vice, a socket or two, needle nose pliers and some grease you should be able to do it yourself.

Also, if your not in a hurry to replace them, try regreasing them. I have no idea how long it has been since your have been greased. Stick the grease gun on the nipple and give it a pump. See if that helps the driveability any.

j8ear · 11-20-2003, 11:27 AM

I have changed many many u joints in my day and have never seen one that was 'tightenable' ever. They are replacement items and are usually not repairable.

Not to expensive either. 15-30 bucks a piece. If this is a driveshaft (two drive shafts on a wrangler. Two u-joints on front shaft, three on rear i believe), then the replacement is rather easy. Mark drive shaft and yoke on both ends, remove nuts on u-bolts holding ujoint end caps and with a soft face hammer, 'persuade' drive shaft out. Ujoints should be pressed in and out, but with a bench vise and a 5lb mallet they are easy enough to remove, after the c clips have been excised (remember that you will NOT need the removed u-joint after repair). Installing them is also possible with a stout c clamp and the correctly sized impact socket as a punch/drift. Assembly reverse of removal

If your talking about front axle u-joints, that is a big job and requires some time, as the entire axle end (brakes, calipers, rotor, hub needs to be disassembled down to the spindle. The front axle removed and the ujoint pressed in out. It is doable by a shade tree back yard mechanic, but is best watched once or twice before attempting yourself.

I'd be happy to answer any other questions you have about the process here.

-bear

Forgot to add. Some u-joints come with a vein which runs through the cast part of the joint and a zirc nipple for greasing the joint. THESE U-JOINTS are weaker then non-greasable u-joints as they have an inherent weakness in that grease vein. I would recommend going with solid non-greasable u-joints as they are stronger, last longer, and are cheaper.

Peryn · 11-21-2003, 10:39 AM

Also remember that if you DO get a greasable one, have the nipple point toward the center of the driveshaft, this way you will actually be able to grease it.

And they have 2 joints on the rear shaft, 3 on teh front. At the transfer case where it heads to the front axle, there is a double u-joint.

mazak · 11-23-2003, 02:19 PM

http://www2.autozone.com/servlet/UiB...3d8004ff83.jsp

try here ,good luck.

Moonduck · 11-23-2003, 02:51 PM

Replac 'em, sorry. Been there on my CJ-5, there is not graceful way to tighten them. There are several ungraceful ways which my poor, folded ass tried when I didn't have the money to replace 'em. Suffice to say that none worked and I was eventually left sans driveshaft.

Spend the money, fix it right.

11-18-2003, 08:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
urbandev Insane Location: Dayton, NV	Tightening jeep u-joints ('94 wrangler) anything special need to be done or do i just get a wrench and go for it? __________________ Raoul Duke: "I wouldn't dare go to sleep with you wandering around with a head full of acid, wanting to slice me up with that goddamn knife." Dr. Gonzo: "Who said anything about slicing you up, man. I just wanted to cut a little Z in your forehead."

11-19-2003, 10:17 AM	#3 (permalink)
Peryn Junkie Location: San Diego, CA.	What kind of u-joint is it? And how is it loose? You might be able to tighten it down, or you might need to replace it depending on where it is, what kind it is, and how loose it is. __________________ Dont cry kid, It's not your fault you suck.

11-19-2003, 09:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
urbandev Insane Location: Dayton, NV	both tranny to driveshaft and driveshaft to differential are loose and kinda knock tight when i accelerate too quickly __________________ Raoul Duke: "I wouldn't dare go to sleep with you wandering around with a head full of acid, wanting to slice me up with that goddamn knife." Dr. Gonzo: "Who said anything about slicing you up, man. I just wanted to cut a little Z in your forehead."

11-20-2003, 05:01 AM	#5 (permalink)
DEI37 Go faster! Location: Wisconsin	I didn't think you COULD tighten U-Joints. Personally, for the work involved, I'd just replace them. IIRC, they don't cost much. __________________ Generally speaking, if you were to get what you really deserve, you might be unpleasantly surprised.

11-20-2003, 09:13 AM	#6 (permalink)
Peryn Junkie Location: San Diego, CA.	I dont know on the wrangler how they connect to the driveshaft and/or tranny. But on my Cherokee (from what i have seen of my freinds wrangler, they look to connect basically the same) there is no tightening a U-Joint. On almost all u-joint, they dont just "tighten". The only way that could happen is if u-bolts are used to connect it to the differential. The u-joints are a wearing item on cars, and will eventually go bad. You will probably have to actually replace them. With a vice, a socket or two, needle nose pliers and some grease you should be able to do it yourself. Also, if your not in a hurry to replace them, try regreasing them. I have no idea how long it has been since your have been greased. Stick the grease gun on the nipple and give it a pump. See if that helps the driveability any. __________________ Dont cry kid, It's not your fault you suck.

11-18-2003, 10:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
slacker00 Tilted	What part of your U-joint is loose? Is it an axle U-joint or a drive shaft U-joint? I have a 03 TF manual also, on my jeep there are at least 2 different types of U-joints. I would suggest to get an answer from a jeep crowd you go post this over at JU under the TF forum. ... I am waiting for my Rubicon to come back to me after my lift. I will have it back this Thursday morning WOOO! ... Slacker00

11-20-2003, 11:27 AM	#7 (permalink)
j8ear Gentlemen Farmer Location: Middle of nowhere, Jersey	I have changed many many u joints in my day and have never seen one that was 'tightenable' ever. They are replacement items and are usually not repairable. Not to expensive either. 15-30 bucks a piece. If this is a driveshaft (two drive shafts on a wrangler. Two u-joints on front shaft, three on rear i believe), then the replacement is rather easy. Mark drive shaft and yoke on both ends, remove nuts on u-bolts holding ujoint end caps and with a soft face hammer, 'persuade' drive shaft out. Ujoints should be pressed in and out, but with a bench vise and a 5lb mallet they are easy enough to remove, after the c clips have been excised (remember that you will NOT need the removed u-joint after repair). Installing them is also possible with a stout c clamp and the correctly sized impact socket as a punch/drift. Assembly reverse of removal If your talking about front axle u-joints, that is a big job and requires some time, as the entire axle end (brakes, calipers, rotor, hub needs to be disassembled down to the spindle. The front axle removed and the ujoint pressed in out. It is doable by a shade tree back yard mechanic, but is best watched once or twice before attempting yourself. I'd be happy to answer any other questions you have about the process here. -bear Forgot to add. Some u-joints come with a vein which runs through the cast part of the joint and a zirc nipple for greasing the joint. THESE U-JOINTS are weaker then non-greasable u-joints as they have an inherent weakness in that grease vein. I would recommend going with solid non-greasable u-joints as they are stronger, last longer, and are cheaper. __________________ It's alot easier to ask for forgiveness then it is to ask for permission. Last edited by j8ear; 11-20-2003 at 11:30 AM..

11-21-2003, 10:39 AM	#8 (permalink)
Peryn Junkie Location: San Diego, CA.	Also remember that if you DO get a greasable one, have the nipple point toward the center of the driveshaft, this way you will actually be able to grease it. And they have 2 joints on the rear shaft, 3 on teh front. At the transfer case where it heads to the front axle, there is a double u-joint. __________________ Dont cry kid, It's not your fault you suck.

11-23-2003, 02:19 PM	#9 (permalink)
mazak Crazy Location: louisianna	http://www2.autozone.com/servlet/UiB...3d8004ff83.jsp try here ,good luck.

11-23-2003, 02:51 PM	#10 (permalink)
Moonduck Junkie Location: SE USA	Replac 'em, sorry. Been there on my CJ-5, there is not graceful way to tighten them. There are several ungraceful ways which my poor, folded ass tried when I didn't have the money to replace 'em. Suffice to say that none worked and I was eventually left sans driveshaft. Spend the money, fix it right.