Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

bent u joint ear on D30 axle shaft

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-01-2019, 08:03 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Slackdaddy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Southern MD
Posts: 517
Received 63 Likes on 51 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default bent u joint ear on D30 axle shaft

Used a ball joint/u joint press to remove corroded in u joints.
I ended up bending in one ear of my passenger side inner shaft.
the ear is bent in approx. 1/8" - 3/16"
Can that be just bent back out? I an afraid I will:
A) fatigue the metal
B) have something out of whack or alignment?

Any words of wisdom?
Old 05-01-2019, 08:15 PM
  #2  
CF Veteran
 
Dave51's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 3,263
Received 369 Likes on 329 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

I've done that 3 times already. To correct it I put two log splitting wedges in opposing directions inside the ears and whack the one that's touching the bent ear. The wedges' angles are such that when placed together that way they are flush to the inner surface of the ears. Worked every time.
Old 05-01-2019, 08:17 PM
  #3  
Old fart with a wrench
 
dave1123's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Posts: 14,398
Received 723 Likes on 628 Posts
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Default

It's a forged piece and can be straightened without hurting it. If only one side is bent, just match the internal dimension of the other half. Using your press, put a rod or long socket thru the yoke from the good side with a block or bar of steel across the hole in the bent side. Clamp down the other end of the axle so it won't lift up when you press. If you're using a c-clamp type press, Try the wedge method.

Last edited by dave1123; 05-01-2019 at 08:22 PM.
Old 05-01-2019, 08:44 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Slackdaddy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Southern MD
Posts: 517
Received 63 Likes on 51 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

Thanks guys,,
That's what I needed to know
Old 05-01-2019, 08:50 PM
  #5  
CF Veteran
 
Dave51's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 3,263
Received 369 Likes on 329 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Monitoring the distance helped to get the right dimension. A hair over 55mm.
Old 05-01-2019, 09:00 PM
  #6  
Old fart with a wrench
 
dave1123's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Posts: 14,398
Received 723 Likes on 628 Posts
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Don't forget about spring-back when you release pressure. Check it afterwards. When I did the one on my 97 ZJ the joint was a little tight. I just wailed on the one ear with a punch and hammer and it loosened up.
Old 05-02-2019, 01:21 AM
  #7  
CF Veteran
 
BlueRidgeMark's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Lost in the wilds of Virginia
Posts: 7,964
Received 952 Likes on 767 Posts
Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

You guys are brutal!

Did the same on mine. Pressed it back. No problems.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
t_long
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
2
11-07-2014 03:16 AM
jimbobrian15
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
0
08-26-2013 06:04 PM
Snwboarder673
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
30
02-28-2012 07:28 PM
flexin91xj
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
16
11-27-2011 07:38 PM
lngliv3
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
4
07-01-2011 09:23 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: bent u joint ear on D30 axle shaft



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:00 PM.