How To Change A Universal Joint
The average cost to replace a vehicle's universal joint is around $250-$380, sometimes costing as much as $650!
If the universal joint is failing, then you may notice a chirping noise as you drive the car or it may vibrate when in motion. The vehicle may also make a loud clinking sound whenever you put it into drive or reverse. Using the Pop Block, this part can be easily replaced at home for many times cheaper than the dealer may charge.
Proudly made in the U.S.A., the Pop Block is CNC cut from T6-6061 aircraft grade aluminum and is designed to hold the shaft in place while servicing an axle shaft wheel joint or driveshaft universal joint. It is safer and provides more control while providing a direct blow directly to where it belongs.
The Pop Block can be used in the convenience of your own driveway using a hammer or with a small bench press. In the most extreme of cases, you may find yourself holding up the trail off-road! Nothing is worse than holding everyone behind you up while you fumble loose sockets and needle bearings down into rocks or dirt. Stop trying the balance act with grandpa's clapped out sockets! Spend more time wheeling and less time on jack-stands with the Pop Block U-Joint Removal Tool!
Directions:
If the universal joints on your car need to be replaced, it is best to replace them in pairs in order to avoid further issues down the road. Replacing the universal joints on a vehicle is not easy. The Pop Block is the tool you need to help prevent injury while servicing your vehicle!
Tools required:
Pop Block - U-Joint Removal Tool
Large Hammer 3-4#
Driving Punch (or large extension bar)
Flathead Screwdriver
Pliers or Channel Locks
Needle Nose Pliers
New Universal Joint
- First, remove any tone rings or abs rings that may be on the flange of the wheel joint. *** This step is not required if servicing a driveshaft **
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Remove the internal/external C-clips holding the U joints in place. Use your needle nose pliers and flat head screwdriver for this step.
- Next, place the shaft on the inside lip of the Pop Block and push forward so the round part of the ear on the axle shaft touches the inside radius of the Pop Block.
4. Then, take your extension bar or driving punch and place as firmly as you can on the top cap of the universal joint and with your large hammer, take a good swing. Knock the U joint out one side of the shaft, then remove the bearing cap. Pliers or channel locks will be needed for this step.
5. Flip the shaft over and remove the cap from the inside of the Pop Block and repeat with the other side. Handle your shaft carefully while doing this.
6. Do this until the universal joint is removed. Inspect both ears of the shaft and reassemble using the new universal joint. Make certain that the joint cross is aligned with the caps while pressing in place. Be careful not to allow bearings to shift. This is tricky, so be patient and take your time. For this step you can use the bottom side of the Pop Block or any other rigid flat surface (a shop press is preferred).
7. After pressing in the new joints, the snap-ring C-clips are pushed in place by hand. The universal joint must be perfectly centered in the driveshaft to install the C-clips.
