U-joint question

[DirtyRice120]

Okay so I've replaced the U-joint at the front of the drive shaft twice in the last year and now I believe it's going bad again. Any idea why this truck is eating U-joints like candy? I don't wheel it that hard or often... I just don't understand it.

 

[maillet282]

is something out of alignment or unbalanced along where the Ujoints are? or is it possible that the replacement parts are of inferior quality?

 

[granitex]

could have a slight bend in the shaft itself, or when the joints are changed they are still under tension on one side or the other. you release the tension difference by hitting the horn with a big hammer after the joint is assembled.

 

[TerryD]

Bumping this up for future reference. You have to grease u-joints before putting them in service. The "grease" that comes in them is just assembly lube to hold the needles in place while they are packaged.

Saw that particular issue repeatedly when I worked in parts stores. I prefer a good molly grease or the "green grease" you can buy for marine applications.