U-joint replacement Advice

[BrandonH13]

This is my first time dealing with the u-joints on our Yukon. I know that they have the plastic pin in them that I have to heat until it oozes out and pops. I don't have a press or anything so I was going to try a C-clamp or the hammer and socket method.

Everything I see on you-tube is for the retainers on the outside and it looks like ours has the clips on the inside. Do I just put the cap in enough to then put the c clip on or bottom out the cap and then put the clip on or what.
That is were I am the most confused at and I'm guessing you don't put the plastic back

This will be for the rear one by the rear end. Please help

 

[CrashTestDummy]

The u-joints with the plastic insert in them are pretty tough to get to break loose. I've done it with a large vise, but am not certain a c-clamp will have enough cajones to do the job. I'd really farm something like that out if I didn't have a vise or press. Many parts houses can do that. If not, hopefully there's a drive shaft service company around you. They can certainly do it, and for not a lot of money.

 

[992dr]

I'm getting ready to do my front u-joint and yoke.
Don't they make a press for this?
I could've sworn I saw one available for rent at my local parts store.
It may be similar to the ball joint press.

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

Don't even bother I had access to a full shop and couldn't get it out without damaging the shaft take a torch to it for a few seconds and be safe

 

[992dr]

Does the front u-joint have a plastic pin as well?

 

[BrandonH13]

Im sure it does as both the yoke and rear one had it on mine.

Melted the plastic out and tried the hammer method....yeah its not happening. It didn't budge at all and that was with it still being warm from the torch.

The ball joint tool thing might work, but I don't have an impact so I couldn't try it even if I wanted to sadly.

 

[CrashTestDummy]

One of these will probably be needed:

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-shop-press-33497.html

But I'm thinking that when the time comes for that kind of work, I'd probably take ours to a driveshaft shop. I have a press, but these things can be a real PITA to get out.

 

[992dr]

I think I'm going to bring mine to a shop to do it. I'll remove it from my Tahoe though.

Do the PPVs have the plastic inserts as well?
I took a quick look under it and couldn't really tell.

 

[BrandonH13]

I have a buddy that works in the Chevy dealers parts. I called him and he just said bring it in so I did and one of the mechanics took it out and put the other one in. He said that he hears them banging on them all the time and even the mechanic just soaked it with PB Blaster and then hit it and was done in 10-15 minutes. That was letting it soak to, he said just to let the pb blaster soak and its easy. Just use a hammer and a tap and knock it out.

I didn't have PB Blaster with me and I would of had to of bought a tap, so I just gave the dude $10 for his time and he was happy. Didn't want to even take it at first lol

 

[992dr]

I may give that a try. Thanks
Hammer and a punch or a bull pin though, not a tap .