i have getting my new u joints from rockauto tomorrow and i need to change them ASAP. passenger side is making a sound now. what tools do i need? just a hammer, screw driver, and sockets? or is there a tool that i can rent from my local autozone to get the job done easier?

Thanks

 

I take it you are atlking about the axle u-joints right? You will need the big socket to take the axle nut off not sure the size 30 something. and some sockets to get the caliper off and a 12pt 13mm for the unit bearing bolts. then the u-joints a hammer and something to push out the caps like another socket that just fits inside the yoke and either snap ring pliers or the scredriver to get the c clips off the caps. I us a big c clamp to reinstall them instead of a hammer. Make sure you grease them after install. Might as well do the balljoints while the wheel is off. A jack stand for safety of course.

 

If you want to pull the axle shaft out of the wheel bearing assembly the nut is a 36mm but this is not nessicary. The easiest way I know to do it is to rent a balljoint press from an auto parts store to press the u-joint out of the yokes. The tools you will absolusly need will be a 13 point 13mm socket a hammer a chissle and a vise to put the axle shaft in so you can press the u-joint out. When you put it back together use anti-sieze.

 

unless you are 100 percent confortable with doing the u joint i would take the axle to your local privatly owned garage and ask them to do it. if u do decide to do it yourself make sure that the retainer clips are properly seat if not the end caps WILL fall out. how idk but i just had it happen to a customers driveshaft this week. my grandfather had put the joint in and i guess he didnt seat that clip properly and it blew a cap out five miles down the road lol

 

i normal set it on the vise and beat it apart and then press it back together

 

yeah, im talking about the u joints at the front axle.

 

A good quality socket set and a solid bench mounted vice should be all you need.

Here's a link to a video where the guy uses a ball joint remover to remove and install the end caps:


Just noticed you are doing axle shafts, the procedure is the same though once you get the axles out.

 

the only reason I like the ball joint press is it tends to be easier than the vise and socket method when they are rusted in...plus where im at you get your money back when you return the press so its bassically free to use

 

autozone renting program is at the. ive rented multiple things from them to work on my brakes to my steering.

 

I just hammer them out with a socket in a socket. A skinny, deep socket to hammer one side and a HUGE socket (36mm) to "catch" on the other side. Pretty straight forward, usually takes no longer than 10 minutes total.

I always pull the axle and it usually takes me no longer than 40 minutes for a side, as long as you dont run into any problems.

Leave the Jeep on the ground to break the hub nut (if you have rims that allow this) as its MUCH easier to do than putting it in 4WD and trying to break it on a jack stand.

 

if you use the u-joint tool, you have to watch the abs tone ring if equipped. it's very easy to break a piece of the tone ring off, then the abs will malfunction.

i use sockets when i can't find my press tool.
either way is very simple, and only gets easier the more you do.

i always file my ears and grease them up before i press my new caps in.

get someone with experience to help if it's your first time. there's a lot of little tricks when you do these.

 

i dont have ABS on my Jeep so thats one thing i dont have to worry about. i am planning on doing it tonight by myself since they need changed it doesnt seem too hard. if something goes wrong, i will try and see someone to help who has done them before

 

a pitman arm puller and a small socket and an impact work quite well for myself.

 

i think i have one of them in my tool box lol i have all kinds of pullers and presses. whats really fun is pulling the bearing off the cent chunk inside your rear. or the pinion gear bearing in the rear. just to change a shim

 

i cant even get the hub assembly off, need to get it off before i can work on the u joints.