Where can I get a replacement U-joint for my Chevy S-10?

Replacement U-joints are available from any auto parts store or through your local Chevy dealer. Raise the rear of your S-10 with a jack then position a set of jack stands under the rear axle to support the truck. Lower the jack until the truck is resting on the stands securely.

What are the U-joints on a pickup truck?

The U-joints connect the driveshaft to the transmission and differential, allowing the driveshaft to spin while traveling up and down with the suspension. If the U-joints become worn, they may fail, damaging the driveshaft, differential or transmission in your S-10 pickup.

How do you get you joints out of a drive shaft?

Locate the retaining rings on the outside of the U-joint caps and use a pair of pliers to squeeze the two tangs together then lift the clip out of the cap. Discard the clips then position a U-joint press on the driveshaft. A U-joint press looks like a big C-clamp and pushes the U-joints out of the shaft.

How do you put a U-joint in a rear differential?

Slide the driveshaft into the tail shaft of the transmission then raise the opposite end up and place the U-joint in the yoke at the rear differential. Install the retaining straps over the U-joint caps then insert the four retaining bolts. Tighten the bolts with a wrench until they are snug.

What happens when a universal joint breaks in a truck?

You’ve probably seen it before: a truck on the side of the road, with the drive shaft lying under the vehicle, no longer attached to the transmission or rear axle. This is the ultimate failure mode for a universal joint – literally breaking, and allowing the drive shaft to drop to the pavement, no longer transferring power.

How do you raise the rear of a S-10 truck?

Raise the rear of your S-10 with a jack then position a set of jack stands under the rear axle to support the truck. Lower the jack until the truck is resting on the stands securely. Locate the four retaining bolts where the driveshaft meets the rear differential then remove them with a wrench.

How big are the you joints on a Chevy?

CHEVROLET CARS: The choices below are the replacement part numbers for those originally used on Chevrolet Cars except Corvette. See Corvette section below. If you have a Chevy Car DRIVESHAFT with INSIDE “C” CLIPS the u-joint dimensions should be 2.556 inches wide between inside shoulders of yoke – 1.125 bearing cap diameter

Where are the universal joints on a Chevy 3R?

During the construction of the OEM 3R series driveshaft the factory injects plastic into two holes or “ports” on each yoke ear while holding the universal joint centered within the driveshaft. When the plastic cools it locks the u-joint in place.

Where are the C clips on a Chevy you joint?

With the INSIDE “C” clip style you may not readily see the “C” clip that is located on the inside edge of the yoke ear that locks into a circular groove in the u-joint cap. All 3R series replacement u-joints will have a groove in each bearing cap and come with 4 “C” clips that must be installed to center the u-joint correctly.

What happens when you remove the bearing cap on a Chevy universal joint?

Once the bearing cap has been removed from the yoke you may also find the plastic has been totally melted away or removed from the channel inside the yoke ear and sometimes people confuse the remaining groove or channel as a “snap ring” groove and unfortunately mistake this yoke for the outside snap ring style.

What happens when you replace a universal joint in a car?

A universal joint (U-joint) is a component in cars that connects the driveshaft to the suspension. A worn-out U-joint causes rattling, knocking, and vibrations as you drive. If you’ve noticed these signs, it may be time to replace the U-joint. This is a process with a lot of steps, so be prepared for a few hours of work.

How do you get U-joints out of a truck?

Remove the driveshaft from under the truck, allowing you better access to the U-joints. Locate the retaining rings on the outside of the U-joint caps and use a pair of pliers to squeeze the two tangs together then lift the clip out of the cap. Discard the clips then position a U-joint press on the driveshaft.

What should I do if my universal joint is failing?

Replacement of the universal joint by a professional mechanic is certainly in order at this point to prevent further damage. Your mechanic should, when possible, select quality replacement u-joints with a grease fitting, allowing for long-term preventative maintenance, and enabling extended life of the u-joint bearings.