Do It Yourself U-joint Replacement

Painless Axle Shaft U-Joint Changing

Changing front axle shaft U-joints, what could be simpler? If you are asking that question you have obviously never dealt with severely rusted joints from an older street driven Jeep that's never been in 4wd and has an open knuckle front end. Many a Jeeper has discovered that newly acquired Jeep that has 'never been off-road' equals rusted front axle shaft U-joints that are thoroughly seized into the shafts as well.

The question of the easiest way to change those U-joints at home is a common one for the new owner of a vintage CJ5 or CJ7, so I'll give my explanation of the best way that I've see that doesn't involve expensive tools. I saw this done by Ken Niles of Ken's 4x4 and tried it myself after seeing how easy it was. I've tried a variety of other methods in the past including the 'hammer and sockets' method and using a 20-ton press, but over the last two years I'm convinced that the method I'm about to describe is the best for a home shop.

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