XJ_will

So I noticed when I was under the jeep that my front inner axle u-joints have a tiny amount of play. How major of a concern is this? There is no noticeable driving difference. Is there any way to tighten these or is it a replace only part? Thanks for any help.

JeepingDan

Replace only.

XJ_will

Damit! How long are they going to hold with little play, and I'm just going to soak molly lube all over them. I cant do this job and I bet its $1000 easy at a shop.

SeriousOffroad

Why can't you do it?

XJ_will

Not the right tools for the job no experience with this type of mechanical work. Any one want to make some money I will assist and pay!

JeepingDan

A $1000? My shop only charges a little over $200 for both sides.

If your not using 4x4 then you should be fine for awhile.

XJ_will

It was just a guess, I wish I was close to your shop.

JeepingDan

Should only be like 2 hours labor plus parts.
If you can't do it yourself then buy the joints and have somebody or a shop install them for you.

XJ_will

I'll check into that, and I will have to find a honest shop that wont charge for 6 hours of labor "firestone quote"

jeepride

If you could at least pull the axle"s out and take them to a machine shop have them replace the joint"s will save some coin to.

EddieForager

If it helps, the u-joints on my XJ were the first "big" job I've ever done... it was easy if you have a jack, jack stand, sockets, and big hammer. It really is easy - the first side took me 4 hours, the second side 1 hour and I did the wheel bearing assy at the same time. The only problem I had was when I forgot to take out the clip... I beat the crap out of that old joint for 15 mins before I realized my mistake lol haha. The only special tool you need is a 36mm socket for the axle nut. And a torque wrench. Buy both is cheaper than the shop and I learned a fair bit.

Anyway - even us noobs can do these things with the info on this forum.

partemisio

It's not hard at all. The only part you can consider hard is actually getting the u-joints out and in which isn't that hard after you've done one.

Take brake caliper and caliper bracket off as one piece.
Hang caliper/bracket to the side.
Pull of rotor.
Loosen axle nut but do not take off.
Take three wheel bearing bolts out from the back.
Use a hammer to brake the bearing and axle assembly loose from the knuckle.
Pull axle and bearing off as a unit.
Take bearing off axle.
Bring axle to a shop and have them replace the u-joints for you.
Reverse order for install.

JeepingDan

This ^..And a strong 12 point 13mm wrench for the hub bolts.

peep

XJ Will, I usually pull the wheel bearing hub out with the axle intact, never loosening the axle nut and hence not needing that 36mm socket or the big toque wrench for reinstall.
I do the whole job with the bearings on the axles (one side at a time). The Peep eats them off yearly (every 60000km).
Takes 2 hours, having had the bearings on and off many times, always clean up the bearing seats in the yokes and use antiseize prior to the reinstall. Precision brand U joints $20 each from Napa. 2 hours labour by competent shop with mechanic and good equipment. That 6 hour quote is utter BS! Ask around your community and your dad, uncle, neighbour, other jeeps and 4x4's, who they recommend for reliable mechanical.
Ask your local Chrysler dealer (our local charges $120 / hr, which is way steep but the quality of work is good.
If you have only a little play, that won't hurt you for a while.
You may want to hold off the offroad till service is complete.
Google the install to see how it is done.
Good luck.

mr white

If you're gonna go this far, may as well just replace them yourself. Super easy. Rent a balljoint press at oreilly for free.