How to Replace U-Joints on a Tahoe
- 1). Park your Tahoe on level ground. While it is possible to replace the u-joint while lifting the rear end of your Tahoe, you may want to use a hydraulic jack to raise the rear, then place it on jack-stands to gain additional space under the truck, Place wheel chocks to block the front wheels. Put the transmission into neutral.
- 2). Mark the u-joint where it connects with the companion flange on the rear differential with a permanent marker. Spray the u-joint liberally with penetrating oil, such as PB Blaster. Remove the u-joint strap bolt, then pull back on the driveshaft (towards the front of the Tahoe) to release the driveshaft. You may need to use a rubber mallet or similar device to get the driveshaft to release.
- 3). Remove the caps from the u-joint yoke. Later model year Chevys will have plastic caps built into the rear u-joint that need to be melted with heat, or removed with a press or a large pair of vice grips. If using heat, apply the heat from a blowtorch until the plastic pins melt. If you do not have access to a press, you can place the u-joint into a vice clamp, then use a deep well 3/4-inch socket and a sledgehammer to pound the plastic cap out from the bottom of the u-joint.
- 4). Remove the bearing cap clips from the yoke with a pair of locking pliers, then remove the u-joint from the driveshaft.
- 5). Slide the new u-joint onto the driveshaft, then press new caps into the u-joint yolk. Use locking pliers to lock new snap rings over the u-joint caps.
- 6). Re-install the driveshaft with the replaced u-joint, making sure to torque down the strap bolts to 35 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.
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