My 87 5 spd 4x4 has a clicking noise that only happens while turning left, also it "feels" funny while turning, kinda like its still in 4wd, but its not. So i jacked up the front to check all the steering components, all is tight and good, however while rotating the passenger side front wheel it made a clicking noise. Took the wheel , brake caliper etc off and noticed the u joint closest to the wheel hub appears to be bad, it has movement in all directions=s when I wiggle it with my hand. So it looks like a new u joint is in order, how hard is this task? I assume I have to pull the axle and do something else? I have had the axle out while doing the ball joints, just not sure of the procedures to replace the ujoint. Any pointers to make it easier?? Also would this bad u joint give it the funny steering feeling?

Thanks for the help,

Mike

 

You just have to remove brakes and bearings, then slide the axle shaft out. Replace u-joint, reverse. Not a bad job and totaly worth it. Make sure you get good u-joints, no cheapy's you will regret it.

 

Could not get the old joint out, ended up taking it to dealer, 100.00 to remove old and install new, seems to be the standard rate around here. 100.00 an hour, think ill buy a really big vice for the next ones.....But it solved the issue.

 

I had to do the same to my passenger side one last summer and it's looking like the driver side one is about to go out on me.