U-joints

[lady_tigger]

Ok, just got done replaceing my rear u-joint. It was really old and I'm not so sure it was not the factory original.... I'd belive it with this truck. Anyway check this out



The entire side wall was blown out of one of the caps. It also chewed up the u-bolt and took out a little nick in the drive line nuckle. Here is my question.....

Is this kind of wear a sign of a bigger problem?

I can fix just about anything but diagnosis is not my strong suit at all.

Any and all help would be appreicated.

Thanks,

 

[Justshootme84]

Most u-joints, even the factory ones, are designed to last only about 40-50K miles. They are designed to be the weakest link in the driveline. It's cheaper to replace a broken u-joint vs. say an axle or bearing. If this is the first time you've changed it on the Bronco, I would just say that it was overdue to be replaced. It may have run dry of grease, so keep them lubed. Some brands have no fitting (zerk) to add grease or are termed "non-greasable". IF you have a problem breaking u-joints every few months or so, then there could be a problem with the driveshaft-to-pinion yoke angle, or something else causing their failure.

 

[lady_tigger]

Thanks justshootme, I actually just got the bronco and in the process of fixing it up. Good info tho. Thank you

 

[Broncoholics]

U-joints always fail and will blow out at the worst time. You should always check them. Traction bars will help the life of the u-joint so there is no axle wrap. Like the above, keep the driveline pointed yoke to yoke. You might need an angled shim under the leaf spring to help the pinon angle. If there is no lift it was just an old u-joint that had to be changed.