Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Other Telephone Information => Off Topic => Automobiles, Trains & Similar Things => Topic started by: 19and41 on November 20, 2015, 09:41:04 PM

Title: Universal Joints
Post by: 19and41 on November 20, 2015, 09:41:04 PM
I am going to try replacing my truck's 3 joints this weekend.   I've been studying the steps from my DVD-rom of the shop manuals.  That has been a great investment for only 13 dollars  Wish me luck.   :D
Title: Re: Universal Joints
Post by: RotarDad on November 20, 2015, 11:55:19 PM
I too have found the factory service manuals a great asset to have.  I've got hard copy for my current cars and they have been well-worth the Ebay dollars I spent on them.  Those, coupled with automotive model-specific forums really help.  Many of the online resources nowadays are excellent, even outside of the rotary phone area....;)

I remember my dad replacing U-joint back the day, but I've never tackled one.  I do wish you well!  Be sure to report back!
Title: Re: Universal Joints
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on November 21, 2015, 12:31:51 AM
Good luck, fingers crossed!!! ;)

When I got my '88 F150 not long ago, I didn't try looking for an Owner's Manual online. Instead, I found a PDF version of the Advertising Brochure for that year! ;D
Title: Re: Universal Joints
Post by: NorthernElectric on November 21, 2015, 07:54:44 AM
Good luck!

I've done my own U-joints a couple of times.  The 1st time, I think it was on a Jeep YJ that I used to own, everything went great and it was a fairly simple and straightforward job.  I believe the joints were held together with circlips.

The 2nd time, on a GMC pickup, I was not so lucky.  On that truck, the joints were held together by plastic injected into the yoke at the factory.  My propane torch didn't cut the mustard when it came time to heat up the joint to melt the plastic inside.  So off up the hill I went on foot with my driveshaft on my shoulder to a guy that ran a garage at home.  With his oxy-acetylene torch he had no problem and he had the hot plastic squirting out of the holes in no time.

Hopefully, the joints on your truck use the circlip design or you have a decent torch.
Title: Re: Universal Joints
Post by: 19and41 on November 21, 2015, 08:32:05 AM
I did a little research last night and found this.  I thought if this guy can do it,  I can too.   ;D

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+replace+u+joints+on+f-150+ford+truck&view=detail&&qpvt=how+to+replace+u+joints+on+f-150+ford+truck&mid=3EFB33EF09B648C72B513EFB33EF09B648C72B51&rvsmid=3EFB33EF09B648C72B513EFB33EF09B648C72B51#view=detail&mid=3EFB33EF09B648C72B513EFB33EF09B648C72B51
Title: Re: Universal Joints
Post by: 19and41 on November 21, 2015, 06:45:11 PM
Well. I got the u-joints replaced.  and i got the front driveshaft on all right, but the rear shaft's coupling sleeve will not go onto the spline out of the carrier bearing.  This has an extended cab and they put a short extra driveline as opposed to using a single longer driveline.  Ol' Bubba didn't have this problem in the video.
Title: Re: Universal Joints
Post by: NorthernElectric on November 21, 2015, 06:56:20 PM
Quote from: 19and41 on November 21, 2015, 06:45:11 PM...the rear shaft's coupling sleeve will not go onto the spline out of the carrier bearing.

Can you get the bearing off?  It might be easier to assemble that way then prop the 2 piece shaft up with a chunk of wood while you position the bearing and bolt it back on.
Title: Re: Universal Joints
Post by: 19and41 on November 21, 2015, 07:53:52 PM
Yes, I've had the bearing off.  Without it's support, though it's a weighty issue trying to wrestle a driveshaft and a half.
Title: Re: Universal Joints
Post by: 19and41 on November 22, 2015, 03:09:57 PM
Thought about it last night and tried something I came up with today.  I got a long handle dollar store tooth brush and a butcher knife and spooned out all the grease in the coupling sleeve and cleaned out most of the rest with the toothbrush.  cleaned off the grease from the splined shaft too.  I was then just able to force it on.  got everything back together in proper alignment and then stepped on my glasses as I was cleaning up.  Just took it out for a test drive.  that thing was like driving on a corduroy road before.  It is smooth now.  There were two bearings failed and each were filled with pulverized iron.   The carrier bearing was free and quiet so I let it remain.  Now to order some new spare glasses.
Title: Re: Universal Joints
Post by: AE_Collector on November 22, 2015, 08:52:17 PM
Were horns blaring and people honking angrily while giving you the finger as you did the test drive without wearing your glasses? :)

Terry
Title: Re: Universal Joints
Post by: 19and41 on November 22, 2015, 11:09:41 PM
Theyd've been honked If I was wearing them.  They're for close up.  :D