U-Joint Removal

[Pops 49]

I am looking for info on drive line u joint cross disassembly on my 42 Coupe, I have the ****** out and the u joint assembly off of rear or ******. Do I need a special tool to remove the keepers that hold the cross bushings in place? Thanks for the help.

 

[Clem Clement]

Doesn't the U joint un bolt and come out so you can work on it on your bench? bolt towards the rear

 

[Pops 49]

Yes it does and that is where I have it. Where I am having difficulty is in removing the keepers that hold the cross bushings in place. Any Ideas?

 

[Bob G/Spanaway]

I've never been able to get one apart successfully.
I've always swapped out the assembly.
Lots of used ones around.

 

[Kurt in NJ]

you need to get under the wire ring, heat it, cut it ,pull it out with vice grips, the old books show the use of a "diamond point" chisel---the tip is a square ground at an angle, but a wizzer can cut the ring --then it is easier to grab with vicegrips, the bearing rings are then pushed out with a punch, at assembly the grooves are lined up, lubed and the clips centered and tapped in ---look in an old Motors book, it will have pictures

I have 4-5 kits, never used(found in trash) always found used joint assy in as good as new condition for 2-5$

 

[Pops 49]

Thanks guys, I believe I will take to the die grinder with a cutting wheel and cut the clip. I have a new cross and bushings with new clips. Wish me luck, I'll let you know the outcome.

 

[Pops 49]

OK, small air die grinder with cutting wheel and a pair of needle nose vise grips, one hour from start to u joint back on ****** and cleaned up. This method worked great and u joint with new cross and bushings is tighter than ever. I cut the clip in the center of the bushing (old bushing will be ruined at this point) was able to take a small pair of needle nose vise grips and pull out both pieces of clip and bushings came out with ease. Installation of new cross, bushings and clips went smooth. Thanks to all for all the valuable info.

 

[bobH]

While doing above, some guys proceed a little farther with the die grinder, making a little groove/relief, so that next time, you CAN get a pick under the clip. Just a thought - I've been lucky, once, to take one apart that someone previous to me, had grooved.