Hi all,

So, I recently replaced my driveshaft, but kept my original slip yoke. Although the end caps on the u-joint that connect to the slip yoke are the correct size, they went in very stubbornly. Once I had pounded them into submission, they were about three times as stiff as all the other end caps on the driveline. I haven't greased the u-joint yet, but it looked like it came greased. I'm still planning to grease it, but for now, is this anything to be concerned about or am I just being paranoid?

 

If they are stiff just bang on the housings until they are loose. Before I put the caps through I usually rub the housing with power steering or transmission fluid. Is there a zerk fitting.

 

But if you have already installed I would take her off and get it right. They move for a reason and you don't want to have driveshaft failure on the road

 

mine were hard to move because of the grease. as far as i know its normal, aslong as you dont need like a pry bar to barely move them.

 

That happens a lot when replacing u joints the ears on the drive shaft are probably a bit crooked Take a C clamp and squeeze it just a tad then release it. You might have to do it a few times but it usually works. If not you may just need new u joints.

 

It does have a zerk fitting, and it is a brand new u-joint and driveshaft, although the slip yoke is old. Maybe I'll give the C-clamp a try. Maybe I'll just grease and go :P After all, the working angle is very low, and it still definitely moved without requiring a pry bar.

Thanks for the input guys!

 

Sounds like its crooked. That c clamp trick might work. When properly seated it should move freely. It is a roller bearings. If it doesn't loosen pull it and try again. You may have a bearing stuck. It doesn't take much for the shaft to reduce the new bearings to dust if they are in wrong.

 

hmm I'm sure there's no issues there....

If you have to beat them in you're doing it wrong

 

Ok. Today I drove it some, then took the shaft off again to have a look. It seems a little worse, although I didn't actually disassemble the u-joint. I'm pretty sure when I took out the old u-joint, I bent the slip yoke in some way (I had to wail on it then too).

Could it hurt the driveline if I just ride out the u-joint until it shows signs of wear, and then have the slip yoke re-manufactured and replace the u-joint?

I'd rather give it to professionals since it seems to me there are a ton of ways the yoke could be mis-aligning the end caps.