C-clip won't seat when replacing axle u-joint
01-31-2015, 07:14 PM
#1
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L H.O.
C-clip won't seat when replacing axle u-joint
Hey Guys,
I am in the middle of replacing my axle u-joints and hubs on my 2000 xj. I ran into an issue trying to seat the c-clip in one of the caps.
It actually is "clipped", but it isn't sitting in the slot (see photos) like the others and I don't know if this is a big issue or not - I assume it is.
The ears are not bent and I used a hammer to install. Thinking about using a vice to press them in further, but every time I tried that with the hammer it starting binding and I couldn't get the u-joint to spin properly.
Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!
I am in the middle of replacing my axle u-joints and hubs on my 2000 xj. I ran into an issue trying to seat the c-clip in one of the caps.
It actually is "clipped", but it isn't sitting in the slot (see photos) like the others and I don't know if this is a big issue or not - I assume it is. 
The ears are not bent and I used a hammer to install. Thinking about using a vice to press them in further, but every time I tried that with the hammer it starting binding and I couldn't get the u-joint to spin properly.
Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!
01-31-2015, 07:20 PM
#2
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Year: 2001, 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
It is possible that the caps are not pressed in all the way, or that your axle shaft ears are bent in slightly. They should seat all around. Rather than call it good enough, I would try to resolve this before you put it back in. If you don't, in a few miles you might be wondering why you're getting vibrations... and then having to do it all over again.
01-31-2015, 09:13 PM
#4
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Year: 2000
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Thanks for the advice guys, gonna pull it apart and make sure it's seated correctly. We'll see how it goes!
01-31-2015, 09:31 PM
#5
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Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1999 4.0L
When you go back to reinstalling, its alright to spread the ears a little with a BFH then clamp them back down after, won't hurt anything
01-31-2015, 09:55 PM
#6
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Year: 1989
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I had a similar problem once. it turned out to be one of the needles slid down inside the cap and got between the joint and the cap.
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02-01-2015, 08:23 AM
#12
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Year: 1991
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The ears move on their own anyway, it doesn't do anything more than what happens naturally
I wouldn't do it everyday for kicks, but its no big deal every couple of years
I wouldn't do it everyday for kicks, but its no big deal every couple of years
Last edited by ehall; 02-01-2015 at 08:29 AM.
02-01-2015, 09:15 AM
#14
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Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1999 4.0L
every torn ear disagrees with you
all this stuff moves around like crazy
what purpose do the c-clips serve? to reduce movement
all this stuff moves around like crazy
what purpose do the c-clips serve? to reduce movement