Its looking like my XJ is going to need a rear u joint. Unfortunately I dont have the proper tools to do it myself. What am I looking at here as far as a ballpark repair cost? I just want to see what you guys have to say before I let myself get screwed with an unreasonable price.

Thanks guys

 

Isnt all you need are some sockets (close to 12mm IIRC) needle nose pliers, and a good mallet?

 

X2
Maybe some duct tape to hold the u-joint end caps on when you go to put the shaft back in after pressing the new joint into the drive line.

 

okay here is my advice i tried this on my own substituting a piece of 3x6 box steel for a bench vice(perfect width). i used the socket and "mallet" trick and even with my 16lb "mallet" i could not get the u-joints out. I have done u-joint replacement before so it was nothing new... But mine were IN there...


drive another vehicle (or in front wheel drive) and go to a shop with a press and have them press them out for you. It is easy to press in new joints. get the old ones out is the hard part.

 

A good thing to do is use a small chisel... Put it right on the u joint end and beat the **** out of it... Make sure you take the pins out first though... I have forgotten a couple times and when you realize it, you feel like a dumb ***, but the u joints should come right out after they are removed.

 

rent a balljoint press from your local autozone. $100 deposit but you get it back when you return.

 

Totally not worth the time or effort IMHO. You could just use the ol' mallet, socket, and some kind of device similar to a vice (even a couple of decent sized wooden boards would work). It's super simple to do. Heck, i'd say as hard as changin oil. Only basic tools needed.

 

Cant count how many times Ive done this. Never needed a press. Hope I didnt just jinx myself...

 

Y'all are really makin it out to be waaay harder then it is...

 

i use a press for u joints because its the right way.

 

I feel a press would be the right way to go. Yet you CAN do it with out one. Its not hard.

 

I do u-joints redneck style because I cant afford a press.... lol

 

To actually answer your question: a u-joint is about 15 bucks and a shop will probably charge you about 25 to change it. That's if you remove the driveshaft yourself and bring it all to them

 

i dont really see a right or wrong way to do it. the biggest problem is gettin the old ones out..they are no good. beat the **** out of them and be done with it.

 

My local part store will press joints for $12 per joint but you have to pull the shaft. I think Harbor Freight tools has a u-joint press for $40 right now.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-1-...kit-38335.html

Good luck.

Later,
Codfish