Well I bought the PDQ and the centerball today and took the drive shaft to Mieneke, they couldn't do it; said they need a "special" tool that they dont have. Anyway, I got all the old u-joints out with a hammer and some sockets...it was NOT easy. Anyway, I have 2 questions:

I have one new u-joint in and it is a little tight. It moves, but it's tight. Is this normal? Will it break in after it's installed?

Second, any trick to getting the center ball out of the double cardon?

Thanks!

 

You really need a vise or some type of press to push them in or out. I can't imagine doing them with a hammer. If you could do it with a hammer, then a vise will be cake. You need at least a 6" vise though.

The joint should be nice and loose. Try giving the yoke that the joints are pressed into a good wack with your hammer to loosen them up. This will allow the metal in the yoke to "spring back" to it's original position.I actually put the joint back in the vise once it's fully installed(no sockets this time), to put some pressure on theyoke and then give it a wack with the hammer. Works great.

You need a slde hammer to get the centering ball out as far as I know.

 

I had a tight one on my old suburban the first time I did them. Had to replace it in a month.

I would suggest you get another one and let a tranny shop do it. But if you are set on trying, this might help....

http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/doublecardan.php

 

Exactly what brand and part number u-joint did you buy, and how many of them, how often do you lube your grease fittings?

 

I got the PDQ's 1-0005. I took it back off and put it on again and all is well. I can't say the same for the CV...I can't get the old one out for the life of me. I tried prying and a pull hammer. Any ideas?

 

So again, how often do you lube your u-joints and did you replace all 4 of them?

 

You may just have to work at the center joint a while, eventually I bet it will pop out. Persistance always pays off. It has to come out evenly, so work aroundthe perimeterwith the pullhammer, not just on one spot. Prying will never get it.

 

Thanks...I'll keep at it.

I have not been consistent with lubing the u-joints, hence the replacement of all 4.

The u-joint weren't too much of a problem...it's the cv in the double cardon.

 

I hate to add heat becauseit could weaken the metal, but a little bit may be enough to loosen the bearing if it absolutleyrefuses to move (heat themetal around it, not the bearing race itself). If you use propane, I doubt you can hurt anything.

Take your time when you put the joint back together. Getthe shaftblocked up/ lined up/ leveled upso all you have to do is slide it together. Think about how it is going togther before you do it, otherwise you will need about four hands to do it.

 

This might help to, compliments of another LR forum

http://www.box.net/shared/jbgsi67tnx