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Easy Way to Take Universal Joints Out

The universal joint is the part of the driveshaft on a rear-wheel-drive vehicle that transfers rotational power from the engine to the wheels. Essentially, the universal joints are what keep the vehicle moving across all types of terrain. Over time, universal joints can wear out and require replacing. Replacement is not that difficult provided you follow a simple step-by-step process and obtain a few specialty tools to help with the job.

  1. Disconnect the Driveshaft

    • Park the car on level ground, set the parking brake, and crawl underneath the vehicle. Locate the driveshaft couplings connecting the driveshaft both to the axle and to the transmission. Use a socket wrench to remove the mounting bolts holding each of the couplings to the end of the driveshaft and then lower the driveshaft out of the underside of the vehicle. Mark the location of the universal joint on either end with a file prior to removing the joints as this will assist in keeping the driveshaft balanced later on down the road.

    Disconnect the Retaining Clips

    • All universal joints are equipped with retaining clips that will need to be removed prior to universal joint removal. Locate the clips on either side of the yoke on the driveshaft and then use a retainer clip removal tool to spread the clips out and remove them. Do this for each one of the four caps on the universal joint.

    Connect the Tool and Remove

    • Universal joint tools look a great deal like a large C-clamp. Insert the universal joint adapters on each cap and then mount the universal joint tool on one side and begin tightening it. Tighten the tool until one of the caps shoves through the driveshaft; then flip the tool over and do the same to the other side. Pull the yoke off of the driveshaft and examine the universal joint.

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