Universal Joint Too long
 

I'm replacing a U joint on the wheel of 2000. My replacement U joint is 3/32" to long for the clips to fit between the ears. Thoughts?

Dave

What What brand and Part# did you buy? You sure the caps are in all the way?

take them out and pull the caps. One or more of the needle bearings is layin in the cap.

checked for needle bearings multiple times. I bought Neapco brute force 1-0297BF. I even got 2 different lot numbers. I bought 2 from CAP and they measure off even more than 3/32"

You have have bent the ears pulling the old ones out. Remove the clip from the side that is in and actually press the other side in 1st. For some reason, they press in better when you do that sometimes. Happened to me.

I gave up and put the old U joint in. I'm giving it to the professional to fuss with. I've got a differential issue for him anyway (lots of play and some grinding). Thanks for the help. Maybe I'll get ambition and try the other side tomorrow.

Has anyone check my part number? I found something about different numbers for ABS and non ABS. I have non ABS.

The distance between the ears measures 2.18" All of my new joints measure 2.25" (during compression of the caps with a clamp). According to the specs I looked up the joints should measure 2.188" from clip to clip outside edge. Anyone have a 297 / 760 type U joint that can measure it? It should be about 2 1/64" if you don't have calipers. This difference works out to about 1/16th" which is the width of a clip. I don't understand.

Did you check to make sure absolutely no pins fell out in to the cap? I've had that happen on brand new Spicers. But normally you'll crack the cap trying to press it.

I did U-joints on my front shaft. (same principal) I had the correct joints, went to put one cap in no problem. Installed the clip. Filpped it around to press the rest of the joint in and I couldn't get the clip in. I tried everything. I removed the clip that I installed first and pressed the side that I couldn't get in 1st this time. The other side went in no problem. Figure that out. It's almost like the body of the u-joint bottomed out and wouldn't let it travel anymore. Just thought I'd throw that out there. BTW, U-joints work perfectly too.

You sure the caps are in all the way?[/QUOTE]

2xs. I had times where one or more of the needles fell over and binded the caps from going in all the way. Check that first.

I think I figured it out... Today I did the passenger side and had no issues at all. The driver's side has a clunk when turning the axle in the diff, but not the passenger side. I've heard a clunk for months now and was told by a mechanic that it was the coil spring slipping around on its perch. My guess is there is something wrong with the side gears in the carrier on the driver's side. Over time the sudden torque on the axle shaft has caused the ears and the U joint to deform. Looks like I have to get my diff fixed, then drop in a new axle shaft on the driver's side.

Thanks for all your suggestions