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How do you tell if rear u-joint is bad?

How do you tell if rear u-joint is bad?

A bad u-joint can cause a clunking sound or jerkiness while driving, particularly when letting off of and pressing the accelerator. A bad u-joint can also cause vibration at certain speeds, emanating from the center or rear of the vehicle. If a u-joint is excessively worn, there’s an easy test you can perform.

How often do u-joints fail?

every 5,000 miles
In most cases, you have to grease your u-joints every 5,000 miles or so. When you fail to service your u-joints on a regular basis, they will fail. You don’t have to worry about this problem with maintenance free u-joints. Misalignment: This happens when you change the vehicle’s ride height.

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.

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 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.

When do I need to replace the U-joints in my S-10?

Replacing the U-joints in your S-10 may be necessary if the old ones are loose or very worn. The U-joints connect the driveshaft to the transmission and differential, allowing the driveshaft to spin while traveling up and down with the suspension.

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.

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.

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.

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Ruth Doyle