u-joints

[Eastwood]

How do I know when u-joints go bad? I have the kind that do not have grease fittings so I can't lube them.....how long should they last and how do I know when to replace them?

[thecarguy]

Put each hand on each side of the u joint and yank them around looking for large anounts of play. You can usually tell a u joint is bad because of a clunk when you step on the gas or when slowing down. Sometimes there will be vibrations when cruising.

[towtrucks]

Also, when moving at very low speeds, you may hear a squeek-squawk (high-low) type of sound. As you speed up, the sound will go away. That is usually u-joints.

[1fatcat]

s q e e k , s q u a w k , s q e e k , s q u a w k , s q u e e k , s q u a w k , sqeek , squawk,sqweek,squawk, ect.

Gets faster with speed, louder with high loads at low speed, and (usually) disappears at higher speeds.

Also the cluncking from drive to revers is a good sign.

[Highwayman]

A vibration is also a clue to a bad u joint...

[Trader Ray]

The driveshaft is turning so fast that it will indeed cause a vibration at certain speeds. I have had vehicles only vibrate at say like 51 MPH but stop at 52 or not vibrate at all at 50.

[vetteonr]

When replacing them, remember to replace ALL of them. It just makes sense.