Replacing U-joints-Advice?

[UNSUREBOATGUY]

Hey guys,

1987 3.0L Alpha 1. I'm trying to replace the cross bearings in my U-joints-they were rusted-bad bellows. They are pretty stuck. Any advice on how to get them out? I removed the c clips, sprayed down with penetrating oil and am trying to press them out with a big c-clamp with a big socket as an adapter. Seems like they should just come out-I don't think there should be anything stopping them except rust. Heat?

Just a note of thank you-I already replaced the bellows and gimble bearing-not fun, but the advice on these forums gave me the confidence to tackle the project and the know-how to build my own puller and driver for the bearing. Thanks a bunch.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Replacing U-joints-Advice?

I have put them in a vice and used an old socket and a hammer to knock them out.
Being you are replacing them heat will not hurt anything unless you get the input shaft hot enough to melt the shaft seal.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Replacing U-joints-Advice?

while i'm not a big fan of harbor frieght. go there and get a ujoint press (or where ever ya want to get one at). then get one of these. http://www.iboats.com/U-Joint-Adapter/dm/*******.560965236--**********.030464844--view_id.271201 i think your service manual will specify this tool by merc part number. confirm my statement for this part, i'm stating this from memory. this is the aftermarket version. use these tools and it will hopefully make short work of what ya need to do...

fwiw. i've done the clamp and socket idea before too. it always gives me the blues. with the proper tools the job became easy as pie..

 

[PitchFork]

Re: Replacing U-joints-Advice?

I also used a big C clamp and a socket but it would have been a lot easier if I had a bench vice.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Replacing U-joints-Advice?

How can you not be a fan of Harbor Freight??? 'nutcase

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Replacing U-joints-Advice?

Most auto parts stores in my area will lend out a U-joint press for free. Perhaps your stores do as well. Makes short work of U-joints.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Replacing U-joints-Advice?

How can you not be a fan of Harbor Freight???

that's pretty easy to answer.

because i'm not in favor of supporting china's economy. if i can help it. which of course sometimes i can't. but i prefer not to...

 

[fishinpa]

Re: Replacing U-joints-Advice?

that's pretty easy to answer.

because i'm not in favor of supporting china's economy. if i can help it. which of course sometimes i can't. but i prefer not to...

ROFLMAO !

H F = underdesigned ,mass produced ,Really El-Cheapo -1 use tools of a wide Variety .




fish

 

[UNSUREBOATGUY]

Re: Replacing U-joints-Advice?

Thanks for the advice guys. I ended up borrowing a U-joint/Ball Joint press from an auto parts store. Worked out a lot better than the c-clamps I bent

Thankfully the new ones go in a lot easier than the old ones came out