01 Front U-joint Replacement
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2
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01 Front U-joint Replacement
I have an '01 1500 4x4 that is popping from the front end when turnng slowly. I have already replaced the drag link, tie rod, and all the ends...handles much better, but still pops.
I am getting ready to replace the U-joints on the front axle, but have a couple questions:
- Does the intermediate shaft stay in the axle (passenger side)when removing the shaft spindle at the knuckle?
(the manual makes this into a guessing game), or does the whole shaft to the side gears in the diff
come out?
- Are there any problems associated with the shifting vacuum pump seal, fork, or bearings when
removing / installing axle?
- Is it really easy to damage the speed sensor tone rings that are pressed onto the shaft?
- Is access required through the front differential?
- Does the front diff need drained?
I hope for some replies soon, because I plan on starting this adventure this weekend.
Thanks in advance.
Jim
I am getting ready to replace the U-joints on the front axle, but have a couple questions:
- Does the intermediate shaft stay in the axle (passenger side)when removing the shaft spindle at the knuckle?
(the manual makes this into a guessing game), or does the whole shaft to the side gears in the diff
come out?
- Are there any problems associated with the shifting vacuum pump seal, fork, or bearings when
removing / installing axle?
- Is it really easy to damage the speed sensor tone rings that are pressed onto the shaft?
- Is access required through the front differential?
- Does the front diff need drained?
I hope for some replies soon, because I plan on starting this adventure this weekend.
Thanks in advance.
Jim
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,204
Likes: 10
From: Gainesville, Ga.
RE: 01 Front U-joint Replacement
here's a good how to. http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/hub.php
(many good articles here)
its not an easy job because of the difficulty of bearing removal.
be very very very careful of your axle seals, or you'll be changing them soon afterwards.
- Does the intermediate shaft stay in the axle (passenger side)when removing the shaft spindle at the knuckle? yes
(the manual makes this into a guessing game), or does the whole shaft to the side gears in the diff
come out? drivers side whole shaft comes out. passenger side only the outer shaft comes out.
- Are there any problems associated with the shifting vacuum pump seal, fork, or bearings when
removing / installing axle? should not be, but someone mentioned how they destroyed, lost, or messed up a bushing, which caused the shaft to flop around, and 4wd to not work,
- Is it really easy to damage the speed sensor tone rings that are pressed onto the shaft?
i don't think so.
- Is access required through the front differential? no.
- Does the front diff need drained? no. but if you ever drive through water or mud you should change this on a regular basis. when hot axle runs into cold water it seems to suck in water. mine does. (front and rear).
(many good articles here)
its not an easy job because of the difficulty of bearing removal.
be very very very careful of your axle seals, or you'll be changing them soon afterwards.
- Does the intermediate shaft stay in the axle (passenger side)when removing the shaft spindle at the knuckle? yes
(the manual makes this into a guessing game), or does the whole shaft to the side gears in the diff
come out? drivers side whole shaft comes out. passenger side only the outer shaft comes out.
- Are there any problems associated with the shifting vacuum pump seal, fork, or bearings when
removing / installing axle? should not be, but someone mentioned how they destroyed, lost, or messed up a bushing, which caused the shaft to flop around, and 4wd to not work,
- Is it really easy to damage the speed sensor tone rings that are pressed onto the shaft?
i don't think so.
- Is access required through the front differential? no.
- Does the front diff need drained? no. but if you ever drive through water or mud you should change this on a regular basis. when hot axle runs into cold water it seems to suck in water. mine does. (front and rear).