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Trying to replace U-Joint on a prop shaft

12K views 37 replies 9 participants last post by  wilesre  
#1 ·
following this guy’s instructions on YouTube.
 
#2 ·
That's great. Good luck. Write a detailed DIY please.

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#4 ·
Watch some YouTube video. It can be done with ball joints tools with a big c clamp. You can rent those from Autozone


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#5 ·
Trying to replace U-Joint on a prop shaft
I was under the impression that it's not worth it. Balancing this propellershaft is really tricky. There are no OEM separate U-joints being sold and third party repair more or less = brand new OEM propellershaft assembly.

But do let us know how it goes.
 
#6 ·
Is it like this video? If not, why?


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#7 ·
I’m sure it can be done. There’s nothing special about a u-joint. Just have to match the size correctly. I’m guessing they don’t want to replace them as it may not be balanced correctly afterwards and cause vibration. My boat was the same way - Volvo wants you to replace the whole part. I took a chance and just did the u-joints and had no issues afterwards. That video is pretty much how it’s done - using a socket that matched the ujoint diameter a hammer and a big c-clamp. Some will have inner or out clips holding it in. They do have rebuilt ones on Rock Auto so they can be rebuilt.
 
#14 ·
Btw, how did you get it out? What kind of tools did you use? Thanks


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#11 ·
Good luck! Best u joint brand is spicer.

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#13 ·
No. But I searched it up on advanced auto parts, lots results show up. You probably need to get in a store. Bring a caliper.

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#15 ·
No. But I searched it up on advanced auto parts, lots results show up. You probably need to get in a store. Bring a caliper.

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Plan
Btw, how did you get it out? What kind of tools did you use? Thanks


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sockets, short socket extension, vise, 5-lbs hammer and lot of elbow grease and pounding . Took me 3 days to get them out. Watch the video I posted very closely and you can do it.
 
#18 ·
I like this video a lot better. No hammer etc. Soft persuasion.

 
#21 ·
Image
 
#30 ·
What happened? You put the Rockford joint on and it didn’t work well?


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#32 ·
Gosh, what are you going to do? $700 for dorman or 1k for OEM?

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#33 ·
BTW, it could be rear differential like the other guy

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#35 ·
This thread covers a driveshaft that was purchased off of Amazon. Looks to be around $300. You could also try a local driveshaft shop if you have one available.
 
#36 · (Edited)
This thread covers a driveshaft that was purchased off of Amazon. Looks to be around $300. You could also try a local driveshaft shop if you have one available.
It looks great and has all the positive feedback from the people who installed it.
I would try for that kind of money if it lasts a few years without vibration - great!
A-Premium Rear Complete Drive Shaft Prop Shaft Driveshaft Assembly Compatible with Acura MDX 2007-2013 V6 3.7L Sport Utility, Replace# 40100-STX-A52

Also, the one from Dorman P/N 936025 sounds promising.
Image
 
#38 ·
Just thought I would add my experience:
I took my bad prop shaft to a local driveshaft shop just to see what they would say. I have done business with them a couple times before. This is a fairly large shop that has probably 20 employees and does race cars, pickups, classic cars, and commercial trucks. They said they could not rebuild it. They said they were able to get a new aftermarket assembly and have sold some with no complaints. I expressed my reluctance as I had heard of many of these not being well balanced. They said they would put it on their balancer and ensure it was balanced to 6000 RPM. $450. It's been on for about a month now and no issues so far. 1 year warranty.

More info:
I actually had a longer conversation with them. I originally asked them to just service the u-joints. They said u-joints are not serviceable. I asked if they could cut off the yoke and add a serviceable yoke that had the same size u joint. They said they simply weren't interested in the liability if another part of the driveshaft failed. And they couldn't build a new one because they didn't have the tooling to do the center joint. The center joints they do are larger and won't fit in the tunnel (ball and trunnion?). They know what they are good at and I don't blame them for not wanting to take a risk.