What in the hell is that NOISE???

[cbrazor1]

joe try this link http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/ujoint1/u-joint-1.htm
i know you have a 44 but the prosses should be the same

[Schmo]

The biggest vice I see at Harbor Freight is 8" . . . where do you get the big ones? (I can't believe I actaully said that!) They have the u-joint tool for about $40, but I do think I'd probalby get more use out of the vice. How much easier does the special tool make the job and will I use this a lot with the DriveShafts, etc?

[RAT]

The biggest vice I see at Harbor Freight is 8" . . . where do you get the big ones? (I can't believe I actaully said that!) They have the u-joint tool for about $40, but I do think I'd probalby get more use out of the vice. How much easier does the special tool make the job and will I use this a lot with the DriveShafts, etc?

this will do you just fine

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94429

[brokenujoint]

that same noise happened to my tj for the longest time. i couldnt figure it out either. it wound up being the front lower control arm. check the lock nut if its and adj control arm and check to see that the bushings arent sloppy or messed up in any way. sooner or later it will get solved. it took me nearly 13 yrs to get my tj to be completely clunk/squeek free.

[Schmo]

Anybody have a write up on how to replace the U-Joint? I'm clueless as to how all of this stuff goes together. If anybody has done this job and wouldn't mind giving me a hand and imparting some knowledge, I'll have :beer: chillin' in the fridge!!!

BTW . . . how much do the U-Joints cost and are there any specific brands or features (zirks, etc) I should be looking for?

[brokenujoint]

inner cardin joints or the basic ujoint that mates the shaft to the axle housing?

[Schmo]

inner cardin joints or the basic ujoint that mates the shaft to the axle housing?

:dunno: The play was in the yoke on the passenger side sticking out of the axle tube . . . so the most likely culprit would be the second that you mentioned . . . right:dunno:


Are there any special tools that I'll need besides the vice and or U-Joint tool (depending on what they've got in stock)? Any special pliers for the clips, codder pins, etc?

[Lawrence]

Anybody have a write up on how to replace the U-Joint?

See post #31.

Are there any special tools that I'll need besides the vice and or U-Joint tool (depending on what they've got in stock)?

Nope, but a 36 mm socket might come in handy.

Any special pliers for the clips, codder pins, etc?

Needle nose work well.

[Schmo]

Looks like the link in #31 is more about using the tool . . . but I need to know what all he did after removing the wheel to even get that part into his hand! I've only really been exposed to messing with the suspension so far and am in the dark on pretty much everything else at this point!

[Lawrence]

Looks like the link in #31 is more about using the tool . . . but I need to know what all he did after removing the wheel to even get that part into his hand! I've only really been exposed to messing with the suspension so far and am in the dark on pretty much everything else at this point!

Take the caliper off, take the hub and bearing assembly off (optional, you will need the 36 mm socket if you take it off), take the dust shield off (optional), pull the shaft out. Change your U-joints and repeat in reverse order. If you have bolts left over after you are done, you most likely forgot something.

Edit: I found this on Stu's site: http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/d30/axle-1.htm. Probably a good idea for you to bookmark his site, tons of good info.

[womb raider 940]

If you have bolts left over after you are done, you most likely forgot something.

I always have left over bolts, they just go in a nother box for spares.

[Schmo]

Take the caliper off, take the hub and bearing assembly off (optional, you will need the 36 mm socket if you take it off), take the dust shield off (optional), pull the shaft out. Change your U-joints and repeat in reverse order. If you have bolts left over after you are done, you most likely forgot something.

Edit: I found this on Stu's site: http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/d30/axle-1.htm. Probably a good idea for you to bookmark his site, tons of good info.

Thanks Lawrence! That site is very helpful . . . I'm still scared:hide: I think I might need some moral support from some of my MJR homies . . . so who's in for a little wrenching party? Maybe I'll get my Oil Pan skid when I buy the U-Joint and slap them both on:dunno: Where do ya'll get your U-Joints and how much should I expect to spend for something that will hold up? Do I need to replace both at the same time or just keep an eye on the other one and replace it when needed? Also, seems like a pretty good sized job . . . is there anything else I should be doing while I'm in there . . . don't they make greaseable seals that replace the plastic dust sheilds . . . do you recommend these and would this be the time to do it?

[Lawrence]

Thanks Lawrence! That site is very helpful . . . I'm still scared:hide: I think I might need some moral support from some of my MJR homies . . . so who's in for a little wrenching party?

Come on Joe, put on your big girl pants and go at it... It's actually a fairly easy job. I'd offer for you to drop by, but I am swamped with others things right now and I have no time for fun. Like Josh said "Just start takin it all apart. Eventually you will put it back together".

Maybe I'll get my Oil Pan skid when I buy the U-Joint and slap them both on:dunno: Where do ya'll get your U-Joints and how much should I expect to spend for something that will hold up? Do I need to replace both at the same time or just keep an eye on the other one and replace it when needed?

Go to your favorite online supplier and order a set. Replace both and keep the old ones as trail spares.

Also, seems like a pretty good sized job . . . is there anything else I should be doing while I'm in there . . . don't they make greaseable seals that replace the plastic dust sheilds . . . do you recommend these and would this be the time to do it?

Save your money for something useful. Those seals are iffy at best, they might keep stuff out but they also keep stuff in, and there is a reason you have inner seals. Look around and you'll see a lot of Jeeps without those little factory plastic dust shields.

[Schmo]

Well I picked up a new U-Joint yesterday and Russ has offered to cruise by tomorrow and show me how this all works and make sure I don't get in over my head . . . thanks Russ :wink:

It sure would be nice if the new U-Joint cures the clunking noise, but I guess I'll just have to wait and see. When I was buying the U-Joint, one of the sales guys also recommended that I check to make sure the wheel bearings are good and mentioned that they have a tendency of going out. He said I can check by lifting the tire off the ground and see if there's any play in the wheel if I push and pull from the top and bottom. Feel free to swing by tomorrow if you're in the neighborhood and bored or if you're like me and are curious as to how this all works and want to check it out

[Roger]

Hey Schmo,

I'm always afraid to tackle projects like this so don't beat youself up! Awhile back I bought a 1" body lift kit and stewed about installing it myself for a couple of weeks and at one point I was sick to my stomach worring about it. I was going to send it back, I finally thought this is "BS" how bad could it be? Worst case I could get it towed to a garage and pay someone to fix my FU. Well, onece I got started, it was the easiest project I've done to my CJ! What I'm trying to say is, the hardest part on starting a project that we've never done before is getting started! It seems once you start, it's not so bad! If I lived a little closer to you, I would come and mess it up with you!