99 Tahoe u-joints

[trox]

I have the drive shaft out replacing my fuel pump (another thread) I bought new u-joints and want to replace them while the shaft is down. I think the clips go on the inside of the flange but I can't see the split. Is there a trick to changing these u-joints? The few times I've replaced u-joints in the past, I've used a vise with sockets and pressed them in and out. I saw a buddy use a big hammer a he whaled on it till they popped out.

[MagicRat]

Your buddy is doing it wrong. Don't use a hammer. You can bend the yoke or damage a cup bore. The vice and sockets is the way to go.

The clips must be removable somehow. Can you post a pic?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by trox

I have the drive shaft out replacing my fuel pump (another thread) I bought new u-joints and want to replace them while the shaft is down. I think the clips go on the inside of the flange but I can't see the split. Is there a trick to changing these u-joints? The few times I've replaced u-joints in the past, I've used a vise with sockets and pressed them in and out. I saw a buddy use a big hammer a he whaled on it till they popped out.

the u joints if oem gm original have the plastic injection retainer..

with a propane torch heat these end caps until the plastic comes out then when hot using a socket/vice C clamp and if necessary a hammer drive out these end caps...when the u joint is removed this is when you do not use a hammer to install new end caps...cleaning the drive shaft good prior to installing the new u joints will make this go much easier...

do internet search you tube video on how to replace U joints ..

this is not that hard..the you tube video's are good detailed instructions..

[trox]

Thanks guys. I was talking with a guy at work this morning and he was trying to replace U-joints on a Suburban that had the same plastic injected retaining deal. As a last resort he was heating up the flange and the plastic started oozing out of its hole. while it was hot the joint came right out. Had it not ozzed out, he wouldn't have ever known they were there. I told him I could see the tips of these on mine so that's what I'll do. TORCH IT BABY!!

[jd-autotech]

Yeah when u were little you probably had seen those snakes, alittle black pill lookin thing you light it and a ash like snake rolls out the injection seal kinda reminds me of that when you heat it

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by trox

Thanks guys. I was talking with a guy at work this morning and he was trying to replace U-joints on a Suburban that had the same plastic injected retaining deal. As a last resort he was heating up the flange and the plastic started oozing out of its hole. while it was hot the joint came right out. Had it not ozzed out, he wouldn't have ever known they were there. I told him I could see the tips of these on mine so that's what I'll do. TORCH IT BABY!!

JUST MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR EYE GOGGLES ON.../face shield...sometimes they will blow !!!when heating..