2001convertable

Does anyone know if there is a way to take out the u joints from the trailing arm flanges? The half shafts are out of the car. thanks

7T1vette

Use ratchet/socket to remove the (4) bolts from the flange; then use a press (or hammer and brass drift with yoke mounted in a vise) to drive one end of the U-joint out of the yoke, remove that bearing cap, then tip and remove the joint from the yoke. Some folks bolt the yokes from both sides back-to-back for removal/installation of U-joints. That helps prevent distorting those yokes from the press forces involved.

You could drive the U-joints out while still mounted to the spindle and still in the car; but then you would need to install new ones that way, too. Not the best idea....

my 76 ray

Here's a video of using a vise to remove a U-joint on a driveshaft. It's good advice to bolt the two flanges together to reduce the possibility of distorting them.

http://s413.photobucket.com/albums/p...0625104540.mp4

2001convertable

Worked great thanks so much for the response....Anthony

my 76 ray

I'm glad it helped.

DaveH_RRTX

I have always used the hammer and socket method to remove the u-joints. I only use the jack to press in the new one.

You need to have a stout vise. When I was a kid I broke a chinese made 8 inch vise completely in half trying to press in a new joint.

By the way; Harbor Freight sells a cheap press for about the same cost as a good vise.

Dave