Half Shaft U Joint Replacement

[Timothy B.]

I have a sqeeking universal joint on my 67 and after removing the nuts for the half shaft/rear yoke attachment the u bolts appear to be rusted into the yoke. Very limited space in there so looking for any opinions on easiest way to remove.

I am thinking in a worst case to cut them flush with yoke using a dremmel tool then remove half shaft to get it out of the way and put the nut on the threaded end and pull the straight end through the yoke.

Are these u bolts hardened steel or just mild steel and are they still available from GM?

All comments are appreciated, Tim

[Joe L.]

Re: Half Shaft U Joint Replacement

I have a sqeeking universal joint on my 67 and after removing the nuts for the half shaft/rear yoke attachment the u bolts appear to be rusted into the yoke. Very limited space in there so looking for any opinions on easiest way to remove.

I am thinking in a worst case to cut them flush with yoke using a dremmel tool then remove half shaft to get it out of the way and put the nut on the threaded end and pull the straight end through the yoke.



Are these u bolts hardened steel or just mild steel and are they still available from GM?

All comments are appreciated, Tim

Tim-----

The first thing I would try is liberal and repeated applications of something like Aerokroil or PB Blaster. There are many cases in which these products will do practically nothing. However, the half shaft u-bolts are one of those application in which they can work very well. Then, use a 6 point box wrench on the nuts.

The half shaft u-bolts are still available from GM under GM #2066840 which is, incidentally, the original part number.

Also, if it comes to that, the u-bolts are case-hardened steel, equivalent to SAE grade 8. However, they can be cut with a Dremmel tool or die grinder.

One more thing: when you get the half shafts out, I recommend taking them to a driveline service shop for u-joint replacement. These half shaft u-joints can be a BEAR to replace and you absolutely MUST use a fixture (or spindle u-joint flange) to reinforce the half shaft u-joint flange when removing or installing the u-joints. For the modest cost involved, let an experienced driveline shop do it. No need to balance the half shafts, though.

You will find that all 4 of your half shaft u-joints will be scrap.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Half Shaft U Joint Replacement

Thanks Joe,

The nuts have been removed from the u-bolts, I just can't get them out of the yoke that's the only problem. I soaked them but they don't want to budge in the limited space that is there to work. I really don't want to cut the u-bolts but I guess I better go get a dremmel bit.

I had thought trying to save the other three original u joints but I am sure it's good service to replace these on both sides as they are all original. I have changed Corvette half shaft joints before and have a spare flange to bolt to the spindle flange. I will probably cut them and drive out (not in) after glassbeading any rust away from the flanges where the caps drive out.

[Joe L.]

Re: Half Shaft U Joint Replacement

Thanks Joe,

The nuts have been removed from the u-bolts, I just can't get them out of the yoke that's the only problem. I soaked them but they don't want to budge in the limited space that is there to work. I really don't want to cut the u-bolts but I guess I better go get a dremmel bit.

I had thought trying to save the other three original u joints but I am sure it's good service to replace these on both sides as they are all original. I have changed Corvette half shaft joints before and have a spare flange to bolt to the spindle flange. I will probably cut them and drive out (not in) after glassbeading any rust away from the flanges where the caps drive out.

Tim------


I can virtually guarantee you that if these u-joints are original, they are all scrap. Most likely, you'll find that when you remove the trunnion caps you'll "pour out" the needle bearings in the form of iron oxide particles. Even if this does not occur, you'll find brinneling on at least one trunnion bearing surface of each u-joint if not all 4 bearing surfaces of each u-joint. Such damage on even one surface, even if minor, renders the u-joint unfit for re-installation.