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Axle U Joints

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Shad Rogers, Apr 1, 2016.

  1. Apr 1, 2016
    Shad Rogers

    Shad Rogers Member

    Orlando Florida
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    So I think most of my front end needs to be rebuilt. The steering is all over the place.

    I'm trying to think of the best way not to make more work for myself.

    The Drag link and tie rods, wheel bearings (maybe spindle bearings) are my main concern right now.

    I think the ball joints a ok.

    Do I need to remove my brake assembly and backing plate?

    After I pull the spindle off Can I get the front axles out to work on the u joints with out removing the steering knuckle?

    Sorry for the dumb questions.
     
  2. Apr 1, 2016
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Axle u-joints won't affect the steering. Unlikely they are worn out unless the Jeep spent a lot to time in 4WD.

    Have you had the alignment set?

    Another common problem is a worn-out steering gear. They can be rebuilt and adjusted, or replaced.

    Stuff that can wear and affect steering looseness includes the ball coupling between the steering shaft and steering gear, the steering gear itself, the tie rod ends, the steering knuckle ball joints, the wheel bearings and spindles (unlikely), spring end bushings, and other unlikely things like a broken frame or loose axle-to-spring u-bolts. You need to assess everything for looseness and remedy what's needed, otherwise you will have a long list of stuff to replace.

    If you have not, you should remove the front hubs and repack the wheel bearings, and inspect the brakes. You will need a new grease seal, a tub of grease and probably a new tab washer.

    Note that the open knuckle axle with ball joints is a lot more durable than the older closed knuckle axle with king pin bearings. They are probably ok unless the Jeep saw a lot of off-road miles.
     
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  3. Apr 1, 2016
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

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    U joints that are rusted and binding will make the steering sketchey.
     
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  4. Apr 1, 2016
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

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    I would think that, if they are binding that much, you could put the front on jack stands and feel them binding as you pivot the drive wheel on the ball joints.

    Once you take the hub off, the axle sticks out through the spindle. If you then remove the spindle, the axle flops around on the u-joint and its condition should be obvious. I have not removed the spindle, but I expect that it just unbolts from the knuckle once the hub is off. You may need to hang the brake backing plate from the fender on a cost hanger wire or such - don't let the backing plates hang from the brake hoses.
     
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  5. Apr 1, 2016
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

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    Spindles unbolt and a dead blow plastic hammer will free em up.
     
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  6. Apr 1, 2016
    Shad Rogers

    Shad Rogers Member

    Orlando Florida
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    I installed a new Drag link with tie rods, it helped a lot.

    Next up wheel bearings.
     
  7. Apr 1, 2016
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

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    I have this - Amazon.com: Lisle 65250 Bearing Packer: Automotive

    Use this device with your grease gun to force new grease into the bearings. (You can hand-pack the bearings, but it's a pain IMO). I clean the grease out with solvent. If you have air in your shop, you can blast the old grease and solvent out of the bearings, but don't make them spin like a turbine (bad, according to my mechanic friends). Then refill the bearings with new grease. Typically there is a pile of old grease in the hub. I scrape this out, and put a new handful or two of bearing grease in the hub.
     
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  8. Apr 1, 2016
    Shad Rogers

    Shad Rogers Member

    Orlando Florida
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    It does feel really loose, when I repacked the wheel bearings. I was wondering if it should be like that. New u joints it is!
     
  9. Apr 1, 2016
    Shad Rogers

    Shad Rogers Member

    Orlando Florida
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    Yes, I think the constant shake is from the bad u joints. Placed my order from Rock auto a few minutes ago.
     
  10. Apr 1, 2016
    Shad Rogers

    Shad Rogers Member

    Orlando Florida
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    I have seen those, Im too frugle (read poor) to buy one. I'll just pack em by hand.
    Yes I too have been wanned about the "turbine" the bearings with the compressed air. I do blow them outh lightly though.
    Thanks guys.
     
  11. Apr 1, 2016
    Shad Rogers

    Shad Rogers Member

    Orlando Florida
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    I have not had her alinged, I think i need to upgrade some of the worn componets first before going to that expense. i have adjusted the toe in with the bad tie rods, so it was like peein in the wind.
    im going to add a little toe in tomorrow.

    Thanks for the knowledge, i can always depend on hearing from you.
     
  12. Apr 2, 2016
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

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    I shoot for an 1/8 inch of toe in haven't had a professional alignment in years.
     
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  13. Apr 2, 2016
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    x2. Not much else can be adjusted, and would not shift anyway, barring major tomfoolery.
     
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  14. Apr 2, 2016
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

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    The main advantage of professional alignment is the printout from the machine. The shop won't be able to set more than the toe and center the steering without extra cost, but the machine measures the geometry a lot of ways, including the front caster and camber. Proper caster is very important to tracking, and is usually wrong after lift springs are installed. Camber is welded-in to the axle housing, but if it's wildly wrong that points to a serious problem with the axle parts, including worn parts like the ball joints, or a broken/bent axle housing. Broken housings are not uncommon, typically being the result of big air / rat patrol action.

    We want ... information.
     
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  15. Apr 2, 2016
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

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    This. Camber can be "adjusted" using adjustable ball joints or Cosmo shims. Not the best option but possible.

    Knowing where you're at accurately can tell a lot about where you need to go or to diagnosing problems.
     
  16. Apr 2, 2016
    Pack Rat

    Pack Rat Old Timer

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    I was just about to post that about the camber using the shims, got bunch of those as well as the instruction manual somewhere. Quite labor intensive compared to the adjustable ball joints.
     
  17. Apr 3, 2016
    Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

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    If you can find a shop that will mess with a 40 year old Jeep alignment. Noone around here has the ability or desire if the specs are not on the computer.
     
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  18. Apr 3, 2016
    SFaulken

    SFaulken Active Member

    Bellevue, WA
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    Schwab's up on 4th in the Renton Highlands will, they didn't even blink when I went in there with mine....
     
  19. Apr 3, 2016
    Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

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    All the Schwabs down here have become computer bound "can't be done " stores with horrible customer service. Les would turn over in his grave if he were to see what his stores have become.
     
  20. Apr 4, 2016
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

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    Unfortunately I hear that story a lot Daryl. Those are computer readers, not alignment shops. I train my students differently but sometimes I'm a minority. Find a shop that deals with modified vehicles. Lowering shops sometimes will align or at least check other vehicles if provided with specs.
    Any shop with an alignment machine should be able to do a printout with where the vehicle is at, regardless of whether they have specs or not. If they are unwilling then tell them you will be telling all your friends to go elsewhere. Not just for alignments but for brakes, tires, batteries, etc.
    and I agree, Les Schwab would be ticked if he were still alive. At least half the lackeys working in his stores would be gone in a second.
     
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