What is the front axle U-joints?

Some four-wheel drive vehicles also use U-joints to connect front axle shafts to the front wheels, and these U-joints allow torque to be provided to the front wheels when they are turning. Drive shafts and U-joints provide an efficient and durable means of transferring engine torque to the drive axles.

What is the difference between a CV joint and a universal joint?

A U-joint (the “U” stands for “universal”), sometimes called a Cardan joint after the man who invented it, is a type of flexible coupling typically used on both ends of the drive shafts in rear-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles. A constant velocity (CV) joint does essentially the same thing as a U-joint, only better.

How do you replace a front axle U-joint?

Use a collar to support the bottom that is open in the middle to allow the u-joint cap to be pressed down. Use a small collar on the top to drive the u-joint down, without contacting the yoke, on the topside. This pic shows the results of press operation described above. Remove the cap that is now exposed.

Can you change the U joint with the hub off?

With the Hub off you can now pull out the axle shaft in order to change the U Joint. The shaft just slides out. Be careful when getting the U joint out to not damage the splines on the shafts. There are clips on each ear of the U Joint that hold the Joint in place.

When to change front axle joints in Dodge truck?

Before you tear the front end of the truck apart, verify that is where the problem is by trying to move the joint up and down while the truck is in park on level ground. If there is play in the U-joint, replacement is required.