How difficult is it to replace the infamous front u-joint? Are there any special tools needed?

 

You'll probably need to have a driveshaft shop do it. You need to replace 2 u joints and you need to put in a new centering ball.

 

if yo know what your doing its no big deal, but i had a shop do mine for the fact that they will balance it for ya. thats a good thing.

 

I had a husband/wife team do their own 2 weeks ago, took them a little time but they got it right.
How mechanical are you?
Make sure to mark where both ends of the drive shaft so you can keep from installing it back wrong and maybe causing a balance issue.
If you want to try it, buy 2 Percision 344 u-joints and a 671 centering ball.

 

Hey Mike, out of curiosity, is there a way to balance the drive shaft correctly if you are doing it at home on your own (as in the husband and wife team you refer to)? Or is it a matter of putting it on, trying it, taking it off, rotating a quarter turn, etc., etc.,...

I took mine to a local shop here in Tacoma with a good reputation. Drivelines North West. I think it was $179 out the door (including tax).

Happy New Year,

J

 

04BluDisco....

Was the $179 for the complete re-build with the grease-able u-joints or just the balancing?

I have an appointment with European Motors on Stielacomm next week to get it done. I'm in South Hill by the way.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

 

The whole deal (joints, ball and balancing). I dropped off the stock drive line and walked out with all new greaseable U-joints and a new centering ball. And they balanced it.

I had to remove and re install. Relatively straight forward. Just install the trannsmission side first, then slide the differential side on and bolt that up. 15 minutes off and 15 back on and torqued.

I actually just walked out and checked my reciept. It was $187.02 including tax, not $179. This was September of 2008.

I have heard good things about European motors. Never personally used them. How has your experience with them been?

I am actually not too far from you, I live in theSummit/Waller area. We probably have passed each other on Pioneer.

Cheers,

J

 

They did my pully and serp belt last month...great service...ask for Otto the owner.

They quoted me 1 hour of work at $95 per hour and I bought the parts (I bought the 2 Precision u-joints and the centering ball kit from RockAuto for a total of around $69 with shipping). Otto and I actually compared the price with a local Precision dealer; RockAuto beat them by $12 even with shipping.

I never thought about the balancing, but Otto was aware of the problem with the u-joints, so I assume he knows to balance as well. I will call him tomorrow and ask. They only work on Jags and Rovers by the way and will do a free inspection for you. I'm basically going down Mike's 60K list and getting it done over 3 months.

I probably have passed you on the road. I always wave to every Rover I see. Mine is an arctic white '01 (stock).

 

If the shaft is marked before removing, if when installing the new u-joints all the new grease fitting are facing 180 degrees apart, no nalancing should be required.
I have had to get mine rebuilt twice and never had it balanced.

 

Mike - totally makes sense about marking and putting the zerks in the opposite position. Thanks!

mwindth - I have an dark blue 2004 Disco, also stock. There is another dark blue Disco 2 with a roof rack - not us. (not sure if he's on this forum). I also wave.

See ya around!

J