Replacing U Joints 2003 Gmc Sierra

[Jabroney]

I haven't gotten any manuals on how to do this yet but I wanted to ask you guys if replacing the U-joints on my 2003 GMC Sierra was a do-it-yourselfer type job or something that I should take to the dealership? Also, I can't find replacement parts listed on different parts websites. Should I just go to the dealership for the factory replacement? I've done a bit of maintenance on vehicles before. I hear a repetitive clicking noise in the driveshaft that speeds up as I accelerate and what I can tell from all of the posts that I have been reading is that it is probably my driveshaft U-joints so I am going for the replace.

[2000DV4.8]

If you have a press, or have access to a press, you can do it yourself, just take your time. It's amazing how fast a 15 ton press will f*ck up an aluminum driveshaft (trust me, I know ). I have no idea what a shop or dealer will charge to replace them.

 

I'd replace both u-joints at the same time, while you have the driveshaft out. I got mine at NAPA.

[mi.bowtie]

It WILL be the u joint at the rear axle. No doubt. 25 bucks for the u joint. Just drop the prop at the rear axle and see if it is stiff and hard to move.

[Wingnut]

$25?

 

The last couple of ujoints I've bought were more like $8.

 

And to the OP....I've seen guys do this in their driveway with a hammer and a bunch of old sockets.

 

However, you'll have a much easier time with a press or a large vise. Having a torch handy is a HUGE help too.

 

If you don't have those things, the best way to do it is to buy the ujoints, remove the driveshaft, and take them to a shop and have them do it for you. Take it home and reinstall it. That should save you quite a bit in billed shop time.

[Mikeee]

Yea, I've done the sockets and clamps many times.

 

There is a driveshaft shop not far from me and sometimes, if I've been to the sperm bank, I got extra $ and will have the shaft balanced.

 

Nothing like a smooth rotating shaft.

[wcortesi]

I've also been down this road more than once, and after the last time I decided I'd just have a driveline shop do it from now on. Too much trouble to do, and not that expensive to have done if you remove the drive shaft and take it to them.

 

It's kind of like hanging gutters; not hard, but not a lot of fun either. Having them done for you is probably about twice the price, but usually well worth it!

[2000DV4.8]

How much did the shop charge you when you brought the shaft to them? I just did mine myself, but I'm curious how much I actually saved.

[wcortesi]

I don't have it in front of me, but it was like $40 to replace both u-joints in my Mustang.

 

I think it came to a little over $100 for balancing and new u-joints (after chasing my tail for a week or so after I replaced them and had the wrong u-joint on the differential side. Long story, but it taught me an important lesson!).