Where Do You Get U-joints Pressed Out?

[silverad03]

Just curious, for those of you that have replaced your u-joints and had a shop do it: what kind of shop did you take them to?

 

I know I could probably take them to any old auto repair shop but I want to get the job done as quickly and painlessly as possible (which means not dropping the truck off all day for a 30-min job or taking off work b/c the shop is only open 9-5, M-F). I want to take the driveshaft out and take it somewhere on Saturday so it can be fixed while I wait. And therein lies the problem - finding an auto repair shop in the area that is open on Saturday. Since any shop with a press could get this done, I'm curious where other members have taken their u-joints when they needed replacement.

[D&SYukonDenali]

I believe you can rent the tools from Autozone for free (just a deposit needed), if you are a DIY'er.

[Wingnut]

Either that, or go to Pep Boys and buy the $10 Mickey Mouse tool set...Use the crappy sockets to beat them out.

 

I've done u-joints on the side of the road with nothing more than a few sockets and wrenches.

 

But to actually answer your question...I'd just take them to any shop. Call around and see who can fit you in for it...If they've got a press and everything...Should only be a few minutes.

 

And make sure that they aren't going to actually bill you for a full hour's worth of shop time!

[silverad03]

After a half-hearted attempt at making a few phone calls to local shops, I've decided I will go ahead and try this myself. I'm a little concerned, though, since I'll have to melt the polymer out - never had to deal with that before. However, I've done u-joints before with a vise and sockets so I think I'll be alright. I found a buddy that has a vise and a torch so I'm all set. We'll see what happens...

[95Sierra2500]

It's dirt simple, just be ready for some flames as the rubber seals burn off and the nylon that was injected in to hold the things still burns coming out of the holes. Also, what I've found helps is to heat it til the nylon starts flowing, let it stop coming out, then go to the other side and get it to flow out. Then go back to the first one and hit it with the torch again, making sure that all the nylon is out, same with the other side. I've often had to hit the old u-joints with a hammer to get them out, and once had to spend a whole day with a cut-off wheel and cut apart the spider to get one out (it just wouldn't budge). A vice is, by all means, the easiest way to get it back together if you don't have a small press.

[Wingnut]

Also an FYI...You don't even need a real torch. I use a small simple torch that attaches to the top of a Coleman propane tank (the kind you use for camping stoves/lanterns/etc).

[The Factory Man]

If you are using a press or a vise you should be able to shear the injection molded plastic that holds the joint in. No flames necessary!

[RyanbabZ71]

I was going to go to a local machine shop but I did mine memorial day weekend and they were closed. At this point I had it all disassembled already. My now father-in-law had a large vise so we did it ourselves. What a pain in the rear

[Ranger]

I did the ones on my Bronco with a hammer and 3/4" socket. The hard part was getting the f-ers in straight...Ended up taking it to my buddy's and he used a brass drift and BFH.