Just wanting to make sure I'm not getting ripped off here.

Here's one of my front u-joints...







My mechanic is telling me both u-joints need to be replaced specifically b/c of the ring of rust that coats where the center piece articulates with each of the arms. I think he said that's a sign the rust continues deeper into the junction.

So, my question is, is he right that this piece needs to be replaced. And, if this rust isn't enough to change out the piece, what other signs should I look for to evaluate this piece myself?

Thanks yall.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Where the rust is should be a small amount of grease! Rust is one thing to look for and any PLAY in the joint is the other thing. Just from the photo I'd make a wild guess and say there is considerable play in them joints.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Thanks BigJim, it looks like I'll be changing these out ASAP.

The advice I've gotten so far is that I'll need a big socket for the shaft, and to be careful of the axle seal when removing the axel?...not to wiggle too hard.

Any more advice for me? My mechanic originally suggested this would be a hard job.

It is not that hard of a job.

Well, provided you have proper tools.

I have found a heavy vise to be very helpful in holding the driveshaft.

When it comes to the axles, it is a little more of an issue to replace.

But, a socket that fits within the u-joint can be used to pound out the old ones. Squirt a lot of WD-40 or some other rust breaking solution to make it easier.

X2 on this... To remove the axle shafts to get to the ujoints just remove the brake calipers, rotors, 36mm axle hub nut, and the 3 bolts holding each hub (use 13mm 12 point socket as NO other socket will work or you risk stripping the bolts head and then you'll REALLY have a "fun" time removing these) to the knuckle, the hubs should just slide off depending on how much rust and road grime has collected on your axle, if not a quick whack with a hammer should knock them off, or you can just rent one of those pullers from an autozone or kragens/o'reillys... make sure you spray all of these bolts down a day or two before with PB Blaster/WD40 or whatever you use to help loosen any rusty stuck on parts... replacement is just backwards of what I have described, each side should take about 30mins to 1 hour all depending on if you have all the tools and have no set backs (rusty parts), oh and I found that a 3/4" or 19mm socket works best to pound out the joints after you remove the c-clips holding the caps to the shafts... Hope this helps. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Fred R.

If you don't have the experience/confidence that you can change the u-joint in the half shaft, but that you can remove the half shafts from the axle assembly, take the shafts to your local parts store with a machine shop service. They usually won't charge much to install the u-joints, especially if you buy the joints from them.