Replacing U-joints on a 99?

Tweeter400 · June 24, 2003

I have to help my friend change his ujoints in his 99' silverado this weekend.

As I have never done it, is there anything I should know before we do it??

I wasn't sure if there were any tips that would make it go smoother.

Thanks!!

Bish · June 25, 2003

I know on mine you have to heat them up to melt the plastic to get them out. Your choice of greaseable or non-greaseable replacements. I prefer greaseable.

Tweeter400 · June 25, 2003

Melt the Plastic?? What Plastic?? Please tell me more. Does anyone have a procedure on how to "properly" do it??

Thanks for the help!

Lance Link · June 25, 2003

The u-joints are glued into place in the driveshaft yoke. You need to melt the glue with a torch before you can remove the u-joint. I used a regular blowtorch in mine. The replacement u-joint will presumably be held in place with clips.

Bish · June 25, 2003

In the Universal, they use moulded plastic to keep everything together. In order to remove the old one, you use a torch to heat up the u -joint to the point twhere the plastic melts allowing you to remove the old unit. If you do not melt the plastic, you can hammer all you want but you will not be able to remove the old one. THe replacements should use clips.

A picture would be a great help if anyone has one.

Wingnut · June 25, 2003

I used a Coleman torch to do mine. The one that hooks up to the same little propane bottles that you use for Coleman lanterns/stoves etc.

I think it cost me around 15 bucks, and works great for shrink fittings, and obviously...u-joints.

Sorry, I didn't take any pics when I did them.

But you should hold the flame on it long enough for the plastic to melt...It will start squirting out the hole, so wear a face shield. Mine popped and puttered quite a bit.

Hope this helps a little.